Aerospace and defence companies dominated this year's FT ranking of Europe's top employers, with six sector players cracking the top 50 list compared to just one last year. Industry executives credit strong demand, government backing and a renewed sense of purpose among workers who see their jobs contributing to European security. Airbus Defence and Space executive Nathalie Rau notes that defence has become a 'purpose-driven career' for younger generations.

The shift reflects broader changes in how candidates view the industry. Rau explains that recruits are increasingly drawn to 'dual-use tech' spanning civilian and military applications, with work that sits at the intersection of global security and sustainable aerospace. ArianeGroup's Cornelia Thieme adds that geopolitical tensions have heightened awareness of how these companies contribute to European sovereignty.

Despite the appeal, a gap exists between interest and actual applications. While 58 per cent of students view defence careers as attractive, only 6 per cent are actively pursuing them, citing recruitment opacity and ethical concerns. The industry faces a significant skills challenge, with its workforce hitting an all-time high of 1.1 million employees in 2024 while supporting another 3.1 million indirect jobs.

Paul Oxley of ADS warns that a third of the workforce is now over 55, creating a looming retirement cliff. Government defence spending growth has intensified competition with technology companies for software specialists, making talent acquisition critical for meeting ambitious production targets.