#MINDTHEskillsGAP

Raising awareness and amplifying the efforts of businesses and organisations to bridge the skills gap.

Bridging the UK's manufacturing skills gap: Uniting for progress

Raising awareness and fostering collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, associations and the government can contribute to developing a skilled workforce capable of driving the UK’s manufacturing and engineering sector forward.

Between engineers and innovation

Between diversity and manufacturing

Between young minds and engineering careers

Why should we #MINDTHEskillsGAP?

0 %

of manufacturing companies agree that it will be difficult to fulfill the skills needed for 2030

0 %

of manufacturing businesses were concerned that their current workforce would leave the company*

0 %

of current job openings have been difficult to fill due to a lack of required skills*

*2030 Skills – Closing the gap (Make UK report) 

Bridging the UK's manufacturing skills gap: Uniting for progress

Raising awareness and fostering collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, associations and the government can contribute to developing a skilled workforce capable of driving the UK’s manufacturing and engineering sector forward.

Key Statistics:

  • Nearly one quarter of the manufacturing workforce, over 600,000 people, will reach retirement age in the next decade, 74% of them men.
  • High demand for new skill sets, including automation, digitalisation, and robotics.
  • Reduced availability of skilled workers from EU countries, affecting the supply chain landscape.
  • 55% increase in “Green” engineering roles.
  • There are currently 95.000 vacancies in the manufacturing industry.

What can you do to help bridge the skills gap?

Bridge-It Library

Closing the Skills Gap, One Resource at a Time


Legacy of
skills campaign

What is it?

Hear from those with stories to tell and advice to share, capturing their insights to inspire and support the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent.


Unsung Heroes Campaign

Who are they?

 

Every industry has people whose hard work goes unnoticed, #MINDTHEskillsGAP is here to celebrate those unsung heroes.
Read about our current nominees and put someone forward who deserves a special mention below!

 

Share your contributions

If you or anyone in your network has any relevant resources or insights that could support this campaign, Nominate them here. Together, we can make a lasting impact in tackling the skills challenge in manufacturing.

Nominate your #UnsungHero in Manufacturing

Every industry has legends-those who inspire, innovate and make things happen. Now’s your chance to give them the spotlight!

Join us in building bridges across the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing.

Every initiative, whether it’s upskilling your team, fostering new talent through apprenticeships, or advocating for diverse and inclusive policies, is a step towards closing this critical gap.

Share your stories and strategies under the banner of #MINDTHEskillsGAP to inspire and engage a broader community. Together, we are not just filling gaps—we are building a stronger, more connected industry.

Reach out if you want to get involved!

Sonia Diaz

Senior Marketing Executive
sonia.diaz@easyfairs.com
+44 (0)20 3196 4306