Comment: Bridging the skills gap in UK manufacturing

As manufacturing enters a new era defined by advanced technologies, innovations such as green energy and AI-driven manufacturing are reshaping industries globally. However, it also brings to the fore a critical challenge: the widening skills gap that threatens to impede the sector’s ability to fully leverage these advancements.

As manufacturing businesses strive to stay ahead of the curve, it has become increasingly clear that investment in regular training and reskilling is essential for unlocking the potential of the existing workforce. Recent insight from Skills England revealed that over 60 per cent of manufacturing employers report difficulty filling skilled vacancies due to a mismatch between training provision and industry needs[1]. This not only reflects the urgency of addressing the gap, but points to the need for a more collaborative, proactive approach across both the public and private sectors.

Technological advancements, such as industrial internet of things (IIoT), AI-driven predictive maintenance and cloud-based manufacturing platforms, are fundamentally altering the nature of manufacturing. These tools enable real-time decision-making, reduce downtime and optimise supply chains, but their success depends on a workforce that can implement, manage and evolve with them.

Maximising the workforce

Apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to address the skills shortage, providing structured pathways to high-skilled careers. They combine technical training with hands-on experience, particularly valuable as demand for expertise in new technologies and green energy grows.

Traditional programmes, such as those in machining, mechanical maintenance and electrical systems, continue to provide the essential foundation for the sector. At the same time, newer offerings in areas like additive manufacturing, automation and digital engineering are helping to prepare workforces for the future.

These apprenticeships now support individuals at every stage of their career – from school leavers to experienced professionals looking to specialise or move into leadership roles. For example, training providers such as MTC Training are now offering apprenticeships with additional modules that allow workers to build digital skills alongside their core technical training, creating a more adaptable and future-proof workforce.

Recognising this shift, businesses must also acknowledge that the learning process cannot be static.

The urgency of now

With the rapid pace of technological change, it’s not enough for businesses to train workers once and expect them to adapt to evolving technologies. Regular learning opportunities are essential for ensuring that employees remain capable of leveraging new tools and methodologies. Apprenticeships can serve as a gateway to these opportunities, enabling workers to build on their skills and adapt as the industry changes

Yet many businesses – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – struggle to support comprehensive training programmes.  In addition to the government’s new Industrial Strategy, other initiatives like the Growth and Skills Levy are expected to play a more immediate role in addressing the skills gap.

The Growth and Skills Levy could provide flexibility by including funding for shorter courses and other targeted training initiatives. For the manufacturing industry, this is a significant step forward. By allowing businesses to access funding for more specific and tailored training, it will enable companies to respond to fast-changing skills needs. This is particularly important in areas like AI and green energy, where the pace of innovation often outstrips the speed of curriculum development.

One size does not fit all

However, for this support to be truly effective, it must be tailored to the unique needs of the different manufacturing fields. For example, the defence sector requires highly specialised skills in systems integration and advanced materials; civil nuclear demands expertise in safety-critical engineering and decommissioning technologies; and future mobility has a strong focus on battery technology and innovative drivetrains. Each of these sectors faces unique challenges and opportunities, and training must be tailored accordingly – a one-size-fits-all approach won’t meet these diverse demands.

To address this, the government must continue to work closely with industry to develop funding models that align with sector-specific priorities. Organisations like Skills England,  Skills Development Scotland, Skills Wales, the Northern Ireland Skills Council and regional skills partnerships can play a key role in ensuring that training provision is responsive, agile and aligned with real-world demand.

At the same time, businesses must take ownership of workforce development – identifying future skills needs early and investing in training now to avoid bottlenecks that could hinder growth. Businesses that prioritise upskilling now are better positioned to adopt new technologies, boost productivity and meet future customer demand.

For employees, ongoing training provides greater productivity, job security, instills loyalty, drives retention, career advancement and the confidence to adapt to new technologies. It creates a workforce that is not only proficient in traditional manufacturing skills, but also capable of embracing future technological developments. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, businesses can create a workforce that is agile, adaptable, and equipped to support business growth.

A call to action

The UK manufacturing sector is at a pivotal juncture. Advanced technologies hold immense potential, but only if the workforce is skilled to support its implementation. Closing the skills gap through apprenticeships, regular training, and consistent government support is critical to ensuring that the sector remains competitive, resilient and able to capitalise on new opportunities.

By investing in workforce development, businesses can not only address immediate skills shortages but also position themselves for long-term success in a tech-driven future. The government’s role in providing flexible funding and supporting tailored training initiatives is key to ensuring that businesses have the resources they need to invest in their workforce. With the right support, the manufacturing sector can build a future-ready workforce capable of adopting innovation, increasing sustainability, and driving growth. The time to act is now, as a collaborative approach to training and policy support will unlock the sector’s full potential.

David Grailey, Managing Director - MTC Training at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)

For more information about MTC and its capabilities, including MTC Training, visit https://www.the-mtc.org/.