For years there has been a massive misconception right across the population about what manufacturing actually entails. However, this is improving and there has been a lot of effort made by industry, universities, schools and trade associations, such as the MTA, to address the problem of an overall awareness and we are making some headway. 

There are headlines claiming that Rolls Royce Apprenticeships are as sought after as places at Oxford or Cambridge but more widely, there really is a sense that the supertanker is turning. And not before time.

Engineering-based manufacturing demands a highly skilled workforce to deliver excellence. A study by The Royal Academy of Engineering published in 2014 states that Britain’s industry will need 100,000 new graduates in STEM subjects and a further 60,000 technicians and apprentices every year until 2020, merely to maintain current employment numbers.

UK-based manufacturers of all sizes are investing heavily in training apprentices to ensure next generation engineers are equipped with a broad range of STEM skills to meet the demands of the future. 

One such company that has taken action to bridge this skills gap is Craftsman Tools of Otley in West Yorkshire. The family-owned firm, which has 60 plus years of heritage, has a workforce of more than 60, including 10 full-time apprentices. 

The apprentices undertake a 4-year training course supported by AMRC with Boeing, which is part of Sheffield University. Craftsman has also developed a dedicated training space within its factory, to ensure trainees have the best practical and theoretical skills.

Robert Johnson MD of Craftsman said: “We have invested heavily in our apprenticeship scheme with a commitment to train skilled workers from the local region to help secure the future needs of our business. 

“Partnerships between government, industry and academic institutions are vital to the continued growth of manufacturing within the UK and bringing through the next generation of skilled engineers will only be achieved with a long term commitment from all parties. That’s as relevant to SMEs such as Craftsman as it is to global multinationals.”

Another concern for the manufacturing sector is attracting female engineers – in fact the UK has the lowest proportion of female engineers across Europe. Recent statistics from the IET’s Skills and Demand in Industry survey showed that women represent just 6% of the UK’s engineering workforce. However, some firms are showing that progress can be made.

Gloucestershire firm Renishaw has one of the largest engineering apprentice training schemes within the UK and has received national plaudits for its staff development. In December 2014 Lucy Ackland a project manager working on Renishaw’s next generation metal 3D printing machine, and graduate of Reinshaw’s apprenticeship scheme was awarded the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize at the IET’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year awards.

Upon receiving the award Ackland encouraged other women to follow in her footsteps, saying: “I’m pleased to be considered a role model for future generations of female engineers because I believe engineering is a really enjoyable career choice but sometimes people are put off by misleading stereotypes.”

Innovation is not just something that involves ‘research’. It applies to training and learning too. Taking a fresh look at what your company needs – and how to access the people and skills you need – can pay huge dividends. Indeed not to do so risks leaving businesses dangerously exposed to a growing, not narrowing, skills shortage.