The present digital age is having profound effects on the way skill sets and entire professions are viewed, despite long established training structures the military is not immune from this phenomenon. Technology adds speed and efficiency to work environments, but also complexity. The end user community now finds itself tasked with operating increasingly complex systems, where managing cognitive burden and having the right skill sets are key. Recruitment, training and retention leaders must therefore re-align, so as to attract and leverage the right people, then develop their skill sets accordingly to meet the demands of modern military operations.

Talent management is not a new subject for the Defence engineering sector, but it is an increasingly vital one as the future of multi-domain warfare changes in line with technological developments. Defence Engineers continue to find themselves tasked with designing, manufacturing, operating, maintaining and managing increasingly complex systems at the leading edge of technology alongside the rapid evolution of the sustainability and ethics agenda.  This requires a resilient, diverse and agile workforce who are comfortable operating in the information age, as the UK increases the use of science, technology and data.  As part of the biggest programme of investment in Defence since the end of the Cold War, the Defence sector must therefore re-align its thinking, to attract and leverage the right people and develop their skills to meet the demands of modern military operations.

Rear Admiral Marshall joins us in his capacity as the UK’s Defence Engineering Champion, to discuss what that re-alignment looks like and his vision for the future of Defence engineering skills.

In Conversation With... Rear Admiral Paul 'Tex' Marshall CBE

Rear Admiral Paul Marshall CBE joined the Royal Navy in 1988. He was promoted to Captain in March 2012 and served in Navy Command Headquarters where he was programme director for support improvement, engineering support and project “Faraday” which revitalized training and professionalism in the RN’s engineering branch. As a Commodore, he served as Programme Director for Type 26 frigates and established the Navy Command Ship Acquisition Programme Management Office, stepping up on promotion to Rear Admiral as the Senior Responsible Owner for delivery of the T31 Frigate and Fleet Solid Support Programme.  Navy Transformation has expanded his remit further to include equipment and systems, services and support, and Future Commando Force as Director Navy Acquisition.  He is currently the UK MoD Engineering Skills Champion, leading a team tasked with influencing policy makers to enhance the appeal of Defence Engineering to both current and prospective engineers, and is also the Disability Advocate for the Royal Navy.

Watch the interview