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.

Be part of the movement

A campaign dedicated to amplifying efforts in the engineering and manufacturing sector to bridge the skills gap

Between engineers and innovation

Between diversity and manufacturing

Between young minds and engineering careers

Be part of the movement

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)

Cause and effect

A massive skills shortage is affecting over 80% of businesses in engineering and manufacturing.
20% of workers in the sector are expected to retire in the next 5 year
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.

Join the movement

If you #MINDTHEskillsGAP, what can you do to be the bridge

Continuously train employees with the latest industry skills through in-house workshops and online courses.
Collaborate with industry bodies and government to shape long-term skill development policies.
Work closely with educational institutions to ensure curricula match future industry requirements.
Publicize successful strategies and outcomes to inspire and guide similar initiatives across the sector.
Regularly communicate current challenges and needs at industry forums and through media to drive relevant changes.
Keep abreast of emerging trends to ensure your workforce is prepared for future industry demands by 2030.
Push for comprehensive and sustainable educational policies starting from primary school to cultivate early interest and skills in engineering.
Explore and integrate skills from other sectors that can be adapted to enhance capabilities within engineering and manufacturing.
Actively recruit women and professionals from varied backgrounds to enrich the workforce and bring diverse perspectives
Establish mentorship programs where seasoned professionals can transfer critical knowledge to younger employees
Increase the visibility and availability of apprenticeship programs to attract and train the next generation of engineers and manufacturers.

Share your strategies with your network

They #MINDTHEskillsGAP

Play

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.

Be part of the movement

Reach out if you want to get involve!

Charlie Taylor

Marketing Manager
charlotte.taylor@easyfairs.com
+44 (0)20 3196 4363

Sonia Diaz

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

30 & 31 October 2024

NEC, Birmingham

Where Industry and Innovation Converge

The UK’s only trade exhibition for the entire laboratory industry

Already exhibiting?

Who visits?

Practical Info

Where Industry and Innovation Converge

The UK’s only trade exhibition for the entire laboratory industry

Already exhibiting?

Who visits?

Practical Info

30 & 31 Oct 2024 | NEC Birmingham

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

A campaign dedicated to amplifying efforts in the engineering and manufacturing sector to bridge the skills gap

Between engineers and innovation

Between diversity and manufacturing

Between young minds and engineering careers

why should we #MINDTHEskillsGAP?

Cause and effect

If you #MINDTHEskillsGAP, what can you do to be the bridge

They #MINDTHEskillsGAP

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

Reach out if you want to get involve!

Charlie Taylor

Sonia Diaz

Show opening times 2024

Venue

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