The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has launched On Air, its new compressed air industry awareness campaign.
On Air will be encouraging young people to consider a rewarding career in the industry, through apprenticeship schemes, graduate opportunities, or by switching from a related industry sector.
Ashley Quartermann, Executive Director at BCAS explained:
“The engineering sector is facing a recruitment challenge. An ageing workforce, coupled with new workplace challenges, as the demand for hybrid working arrangement continues to grow, is resulting in a shortage of skilled engineers, technicians and service professionals.
“According to Engineering UK, 6.3 million people work in engineering roles, around a fifth of the UK workforce, and employers are competing hard to recruit and retain skilled engineers, technicians and apprentices.
“For the compressed air industry, these challenges are felt even more keenly. An essential, yet often unnoticed utility used in virtually every industry, many young people starting out on their career path are unaware of the opportunities that exist in the sector.
On Air is the compressed air industry’s response to this recruitment challenge. The vibrant and youthful campaign is set to celebrate everything that is good about the sector; the opportunities to learn, to travel, to specialise - through social media engagement, engineering influencers and a dedicated microsite.”
Historically, engineering service organisations have emphasised technical competence and long service, whereas newer recruits often value rapid development, varied experiences, and visible career progression.
And for many, site-based work is preferable, providing immediate impact where work physically improves a product or process alongside tangible problem solving.
Including apprentices, graduates and career changers, On Air will be championing the wide variety of career opportunities available and celebrating the extensive range of applications and industry that compressed air impacts. From formula one to aerospace to medical research. The outdated image of a noisy factory environment with the constant hiss of compressed air pipework leaks is moving aside for a new generation of intelligent compressed air installations, driven by data.
In conjunction with the launch of On Air, BCAS has also created a new committee for 18–40-year-olds working in the industry.
With representatives from across the BCAS member network, the 22-strong committee will be focusing on key topics including attraction into the industry, retention of young talent, and the ongoing lack of awareness of compressed air as a career path. Acting as an advisory voice to BCAS Board members, the new committee will be instrumental in helping to shape the future direction of career paths and training in the sector.
To learn more, visit [https://.onair.bcas.org.uk/]https://onair.bcas.org.uk/ or follow us on social media:
