Global Defense Industries Face Skilled Worker Shortage Amid Soaring Security Spending

As global defense and aerospace spending surges, a new report by Experis, the technology arm of ManpowerGroup, highlights a critical shortage of skilled workers in these sectors. According to the report, 72% of employers in aviation and defense struggle to fill positions, especially in technology roles involving artificial intelligence, cyber, autonomous systems, and digital twins. The workforce turnover rate in these fields is 15%, double the general market average, with 42% of manufacturing employees seeking new jobs within six months and nearly half of hourly workers leaving within four months. Additionally, about 25% of the global aviation and defense workforce is aged 55 or older.

Companies also face stiff competition for engineers and tech talent from major high-tech firms. In Europe, direct employment in these sectors has grown to 1.1 million, yet the UK alone has around 10,000 unfilled jobs. Israel experiences similar challenges, with approximately 45,000 workers in defense and aerospace industries, where shortages are acute in specialized roles requiring security clearances.

The report cites a McKinsey estimate that closing the talent gap could save an average company over $300 million through improved efficiency and profitability. To address these issues, Experis proposes a "Vision 2030" strategy urging management to break negative stereotypes about manufacturing, attract Generation Z to innovative projects, adopt flexible talent sourcing models, accelerate hiring to reduce burnout, and focus on tailored internal training and micro-credentialing in partnership with external organizations.