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What are the strengths and skills for aerospace and defence careers?

Aerospace is where innovation takes flight, literally!

Whether you dream of designing aircraft, solving technical puzzles, or keeping passengers safe, you’ll need a mix of practical skills and personal strengths. Here’s what sets you up for success in this high-flying industry.

1. Core Technical Skills

These are the building blocks of every aerospace career. Mastering technical skills means you can confidently work with cutting-edge technology, understand how things fly, and keep everything running smoothly.

Problem-Solving

Example: Troubleshooting a fault in an aircraft’s navigation system or figuring out the best way to assemble a new drone part.

Attention to Detail

Example: Checking blueprints for tiny errors, inspecting parts for defects, or ensuring safety procedures are followed exactly.

Teamwork

Example: Collaborating with engineers, designers, and technicians to launch a new satellite or complete a maintenance check.

Clear Communication

Example: Explaining technical issues to your team, writing up reports, or sharing safety updates during a shift handover.

Time Management

Example: Meeting tight deadlines for aircraft repairs, juggling multiple projects, or prioritising tasks during busy periods.

Transferable Skills: Your Passport to Any Industry

The great thing about aerospace? The skills you build here open doors everywhere. Problem-solving, teamwork, digital literacy, and attention to detail are valued in tech, engineering, healthcare, creative industries, and beyond. Even if you change direction, you’ll have a toolkit employers love.

Myth-busting strengths and skills for aerospace and defence

“You have to be a maths genius.”

Nope! While maths helps, what matters most is curiosity, determination, and a willingness to learn. There are roles for every skill set.

“Aerospace is only for pilots and engineers.”

Not true! There are careers in design, IT, project management, quality assurance, logistics, and more.

“It’s not for people like me.”

Aerospace values diversity, people from all backgrounds and abilities are needed to innovate and solve real-world challenges.

How to Get Started

You don’t have to wait to build your skills. Try online courses, join STEM clubs, volunteer, or start a DIY project at home. Every bit of experience counts!

Carry on learning about the aerospace and defence industry

Curious to learn more about what a future in aerospace and defence could look like? We’ve pulled together extra resources, insights, and practical guides to help you dive deeper. Whether you want to explore career paths, discover the latest trends, or get tips for interviews and skills-building, our dedicated aerospace and defence pages are here to support you every step of the way.

Got a question? We’ve got you. Here are some quick answers to what people ask us most. If you can’t find what you need, just reach out. We’re here to help!