Kent labour market information
Manufacturing and engineering
Manufacturing and engineering have an enormous impact on the world around us; they shape our environments and drive progress. Our future world depends on innovation from companies involved in technological development and design and production, and in Kent and Medway we’re seeing some exciting developments in these areas.
If you haven’t considered a career in these industries before, it might be worth exploring further – there’s a huge choice of opportunities including creative careers, legal roles and jobs which can really make a difference to people’s lives. Areas such as electric and autonomous vehicles, aerospace (including satellites and greener aviation), flood defence, transport systems, and sustainable product development, will all drive modern life in the decades to come.
20 jobs and careers in manufacturing and engineering
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software engineer automotive engineer 3D printing technician
human resources officer vehicle paint technician electrician
aerospace engineer product designer quality control assistant
cyber security analyst materials scientist robotics engineer
project manager CNC machinist non-destructive testing (NDT) technician
carbon accountant propulsion technician acoustic consultant
mechanical engineer production manager foundry moulder artificial intelligence (AI) engineer
Now and the future
Advanced technologies such as 3D printing, mechatronics, robotic systems, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) are playing a growing role in our manufacturing industries and there’s an increasing demand for people who have higher and technical skills.
Digital skills, especially at an advanced level, are becoming increasingly sought after for work in areas such as:
- computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software
- data analysis
- cybersecurity
- supply chain management including GPS tracking
- production automation
- quality control and monitoring.
We need to create a more sustainable world, and advanced manufacturing and engineering can help by:
- developing technologies, equipment and systems which reduce human impact such as solar panels, closed growing environments and electric vehicles
- designing digital tech like smartphones and gaming consoles that use less energy and fewer non-renewable components
- creating net zero manufacturing methods and practices - environmental skills will be in high demand.
Spotlight on Kent and Medway
Around 45,000 people work in manufacturing in Kent and Medway (source).
There are more than 3,400 businesses in our area (source) ranging from small businesses to very large, international companies like BAE Systems, QinetiQ and Pfizer. The three largest sub-sectors by employment are fabricated metal and metal products, food production, and computer-related and electronic equipment (source).
Jobs in manufacturing and engineering are widespread throughout Kent and Medway but there are a few hotspots including locations in Swale, Maidstone, Ashford, Medway, Dover and Discovery Park in Sandwich.
With a high number of workers in this sector due to retire soon, it’s predicted that local companies across the region will need to recruit 1,000 new entrants per year with level 4 and above qualifications (source); this includes those with advanced digital skills who are able to work with complex data. Look out for courses and facilities offered by local colleges aimed at training students in areas such as green engineering and emerging technologies.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to find links to some great local employers.
More information
- is creative
- is good at problem solving
- is innovative
- has advanced digital skills
- has strong analytical thinking skills
- pays attention to detail
- is patient
- has good organisational skills.
Useful subjects
These subjects and qualifications could help you get into this sector:
maths | physics | English | design and technology | computer science | chemistry | geography | art | psychology | sociology | applied science | engineering | law
What about apprenticeships?
There’s a wide range of apprenticeships at all levels. Did you know there are more apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing careers than any other sector? You could apply for an apprenticeship at 16 and progress your career or keep studying and move into a higher or degree apprenticeship from age 18.
For vacancies in Kent and Medway and further information:
- Find an Apprenticeship
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Vacancy Listing
- Engineering apprenticeships (Prospects)
- Explore the Skills England apprenticeship maps for this sector.
Your choices @
14-16
You’ll gain useful skills in maths, physics, chemistry, English, computer science, and design and technology; arts subjects may also be useful for some careers.
Post 16
Five or more GCSEs at grade 4+ including English and maths | Working towards grade 4 GCSE English or maths |
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Post 18
- Degree.
- Other higher education qualification.
- Higher or degree apprenticeship.
- Employment with or without further training.
An industry-approved degree or a higher or degree apprenticeship is required for some professional, and associate professional, roles in this sector. Some careers, such as chartered engineer, require professional accreditation which is usually gained once you’re in your first employed position.
Gain skills and knowledge by building up experience. This could include volunteering, work shadowing, a work experience placement or traineeship, or paid employment.
Want to know more?
Kent employers
