Why You Can’t Hire Your Way Out of a Skills Crisis

With up to $330 million annual losses at stake due to talent shortages, the aerospace and defense sector is at a breaking point. In this episode, Karla Fletcher sits down with Leanne Cann, People Services Director at Babcock International, to discuss why traditional hiring models are no longer fit for purpose and what needs to change. 

They discuss the company's innovative approaches to addressing the talent shortage in the aerospace and defense industry. From international recruitment drives to implementing emerging talent programs and strategic partnerships with local universities and communities, Babcock is redefining traditional hiring practices. Leanne also delves into the role of AI in streamlining the hiring process and emphasizes the importance of human interaction in talent acquisition.  

Highlights: 

• The "Perfect Storm": Why traditional "experienced hire" recruitment is no longer enough to solve the skills gap. 
• Emerging Talent & Rebranding: How Babcock scaled from 350 to 850 graduates and apprentices by redefining "Early Careers". 
• Transferable Skills: The "Train to Fit" program with a 93% conversion rate, focusing on potential over pre-existing technical skills. 
• The Role of AI: Where Babcock uses technology for speed and where human judgment remains non-negotiable. 
• Community Investment: Building pipelines through 7,000 hours of annual STEM activities and local university partnerships. 

Tune in to learn how Babcock is building a resilient pipeline of skilled workers and contributing to local community growth.