MORE than 100 new jobs could be created in the Island's aerospace sector in the next few years.
Member of the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for manufacturing, Laurence Skelly MHK, revealed this after attending the latest Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster (IoMAC) forum.
The quarterly forum, held in conjunction with the North West Aerospace Alliance, presents an opportunity for the 18 members of the IOMAC to hear the latest news on industry trends and to discuss potential opportunities and challenges.
The IoMAC is progressing a formal five year strategy - created last year - which it says aims to "improve cluster collaboration, joint sourcing, business excellence and marketing to remove the barriers to growth and create sustainability and skilled jobs".
Last year the IoMAC forums attracted speakers from key industry decision makers including Airbus and NASA and facilitated the launch of Journey to Process Excellence (JTPE) the cluster's own business improvement initiative which is based on Rolls-Royce's world class model.
The Department of Economic Development said the IoMAC is gaining worldwide recognition for the Isle of Man's aerospace industry and is proving to be a valuable asset for all of its members.
Mr Skelly said: "I am really encouraged by the positive and collaborative approach that the aerospace sector is taking via the cluster model.
"Although we have a very healthy sector already with over 800 employees represented by IOMAC members, the projections for growth are excellent with a realistic view that over 100 new jobs will be created by 2015.
"This, and the fact that average salaries for those in skilled manufacturing are over £30,000 per year, means that we expect significant growth in those looking to enter engineering and particularly the aerospace manufacturing sector.
"This is evidenced by our Awareness of Careers in Engineering programme, which has been running successfully for four years in our schools, and the subsequent massive oversubscription for our existing apprenticeship scheme places.
"This highlights the need to review the Island's current training provision in this area."
