Engineering (or manufacturing) is still an important sector in Portsmouth's labour market, providing many jobs and one of the sectors where employers are having difficulty in recruiting staff.
The main skills shortages are for skilled and professional workers.
The 2001 Census showed that there were 11,451 people living in Portsmouth employed in manufacturing trades - that is over 13% of Portsmouth's workers.
Employers in Portsmouth are continuing to report that they are looking to recruit, and having difficulty finding people with the right skills.
Surveys by the Portsmouth & South East Hampshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry, report that around two-thirds of manufacturing firms are constantly looking to recruit. Those firms also report particular difficulties in finding enough skilled and professional workers.
The workforce in engineering/manufacturing in this area is much older than for most sectors, with an estimation that 50% are over 50. This means that there is a great need for younger people to qualify and enter the industry.
Portsmouth is home to some of the most advanced engineering employers in the UK, with EADS Astrium - building space satellites and VT Shipbuilding - building state of the art ships for the Royal Navy. Click on the company logos below to find out more.
Not Just For Boys
Click on the links below to find out more about being a woman in engineering.
