The report adds that young people are not entering the sector in sufficient numbers to replace workers leaving the industry, while training is falling behind other countries in delivering on the advanced manufacturing skills now needed by firms.
The Manufacturing Excellence Report commissioned by WorldSkills UK in partnership with BAE Systems and undertaken by the Learning & Work Institute, highlights the need to change the narrative about careers in manufacturing and confront the challenge of an ageing workforce.
Despite the shortfall of vital manufacturing skills, the report finds that collaboration between employers and training providers is weaker than it could be, with two in five manufacturing firms taking no measures to inspire young people towards careers in the sector, and fewer than half of manufacturers working with skills providers to ensure their needs can be met.
As a result, many young people have negative perceptions about opportunities in manufacturing, lack careers support, and are missing out on well paid jobs requiring a high level of skills.
Meanwhile, UK manufacturing is being underpowered as a potential engine for growth, levelling up and progress toward ‘net zero’, just at the time when shifting global supply chains present opportunities for the sector to create jobs and expand.
WorldSkills UK is committing to do everything it can to make sure that young people are informed and inspired about a potential future in manufacturing and that firms have the pipeline of high-skilled talent they need. Both are key to increasing the UK’s international competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.
