Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with the private sector about recruitment of engineers to the Royal Navy.

The Naval Service matches manpower demand with supply through a wide range of initiatives, such as targeted marketing, specific recruitment events, career extensions and retention incentives.

A range of mechanisms are in place to attract recruits to technical specialisations for both the Officer and Rating corps. Incentives include a staged remunerative award to new entry Engineer Officers with relevant degrees and Commitment Bonuses for Ratings. In specific areas for serving personnel in the engineering specialism, a range of remunerative measures has also been introduced, in the form of Recruiting and Retention Pay and Financial Retention Incentives.

The Royal Navy is currently undertaking a one year trial to recruit Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel from Industry into shortage categories. Known as the Direct Entry Technician scheme, individuals recruited in this way from the private sector will fill shortages in specialist areas. Additionally, the Navy has five affiliations with University Technical Colleges to support the development of skilled individuals that will support industry and help address the national shortage of engineers.

The Ministry of Defence has also initiated work with Defence Industry to scope the possibility of adopting an 'Enterprise Approach' to tackle career management, manning and access to key skills.