Engineering, manufacturing, technology and construction

Sector introduction

This is a diverse set of industries that are united by their use of heavy and light engineering techniques and characterised by employment of doctoral graduates in engineering and related technical disciplines as well as in support roles in accounts, human resources, IT and other occupations.

This sector has suffered disproportionately as a result of the recent recession and, consequently, is temporarily experiencing a downturn in employment. It is, however, crucial to the UK economy and boosting this sector is a priority for government policy.

Total turnover for these industries in the UK in 2008 was about £289 billion; 9% of the total turnover for all sectors of the economy. Between 2003 and 2008, output of the industry groups included has grown faster than UK manufacturing as a whole. Average GVA (Gross Value Added (GVA) is the difference between the value of goods and services produced and the cost of raw materials and other inputs used to produce them) per employee for these sectors was £55,000 in 2008, significantly higher than the figure for all sectors of £35,500.