Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies, has agreed a strategic partnership agreement with A|D|S, the trade organisation responsible for advancing UK aerospace, defence and security industries.

The partnership aims to simplify the provision of skills in line with feedback from companies to assist and support the aims and objectives of both employers and the sector’s workforce in the UK.

Philip Whiteman, chief executive of Semta, says: “Semta’s job is to make identifying and tackling skills shortages easier for employers, stakeholders and government. In partnering with A|D|S, we will strengthen our stakeholder and employer relationships, ultimately ensuring we are positioned to best support the skills and development needs of the sector.”

Ian Godden, chairman of A|D|S, adds: “Aerospace, defence, security and space are jewels in the crown of UK high-tech manufacturing and services. We survived the devastation of the recessions of the 1980s and 1990s and we have done so again.

“However, to maintain this position of leadership we must continue to inspire young people and invest in skills provision for them. This is why A|D|S is delighted to be working with Semta to achieve this goal.”