Semta, IDS collaborate to boost British high tech manufacturing skills

From left to right: Ian Godden (ADS chairman), Philip Whiteman (Semta ceo), Graham Chisnall (md aerospace & operations) and Mark Steward (ADSSG chairman). According to Philip Whiteman, ceo of Semta, the partnership is aimed at simplifying 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. "Semta's job is to make identifying and tackling skills shortages easier for employers, stakeholders and government," he said. "In partnering with ADS, 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 ADS, added: "Aerospace, defence, security and space are jewels in the crown of UK high tech manufacturing and services. We are amongst the world leaders in these sectors thanks to the highly skilled and talented workforce in this country. We survived the devastation of the recessions of the 1980s and 1990s and we have done so again." However, Godden asserted that in order to maintain this position of leadership, provisions must be put in place to continue to inspire young people and invest in skills provision for them. "This is why ADS is delighted to be working with Semta to achieve this goal," he said. "We're confident the agreement will maximise the effectiveness of the industry's voice to the government when it comes to skills needs."