The need for developing our skilled workforce in UK manufacturing

There are a lot of changes ahead for the manufacturing industry, and the sector in the future could look very different to how it does now. The introduction of new technologies, in particular additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing) and ‘smart’ factories, is revolutionising the way that things are produced. The UK is still holding strong in the global market, and it’s imperative that manufacturing stays innovative to maintain this position.

In order to deliver this exciting vision of the future and maintain a strong manufacturing base for the UK, employing a skilled workforce is essential. An understanding and knowledge of these newer technologies and how they can be applied within manufacturing, is what will keep the industry pushing forwards and competing in the advancing global arena.

However, there is a shortage of skilled workers, with many companies noting vacancies across the board. In February this year, it was reported that there were up to 5,000 vacancies in the automotive industry alone, attributed to a lack of skilled engineers and designers. This situation was also confirmed by the Annual Manufacturing Report 2016, which showed that of the companies surveyed, the vast majority (84%) had multiple vacancies.

With the demand for skilled workers increasing in order to keep up with progression in the industry, it’s essential that the UK begins to grow and develop its skilled workforce. The EEF Skills Report 2016 says that the current issues include a lack of technical skills, an insufficient number of applicants and a lack of relevant experience.

But what is the solution? First, manufacturing needs to be made an attractive option at a young age to ensure that the next generation of talent is enthusiastic and willing to learn the necessary skills to enter the industry.

There also needs to be the right education and training in place to ensure that school leavers and university graduates are able to fill the essential vacancies in the industry. Many companies now offer on-the-job apprenticeships, which is seen as a “critically important way for firms to help close the skills divide over the longer-term” by the EEF. According to its Skills Report, almost eight in ten manufacturers plan to recruit manufacturing and engineering apprentices in the next 12 months.

Demand for skills will only increase over the coming years, and leading industry commentators are hoping that the Government will also help to develop the next generation of workers, to match the efforts that businesses themselves are already making. “Despite multiple warnings about the UK’s yawning skills gap, the dial hasn’t moved since 2012. Manufacturers continue to struggle to find the right people with the right skills – undoubtedly this has led to lost opportunities for employers, would-be employees and the UK economy,” says Tim Thomas, Director of Employment and Skills Policy at EEF. “Had manufacturers not already been taking action we would arguably already be over the cliff-edge and not just approaching it.”

Here at Corrotherm, we hope to inspire and encourage younger people to consider a career in manufacturing, and to continue to move the industry progressively forward in the future.