Composites UK Welcomes the Government's Commitment to Introducing Technical Education from Age 14

As the UK's trade association for the composites supply chain, Composites UK has previously called for earlier engagement between education and employers to help address the growing skills challenge facing UK manufacturing.

We are delighted to see the Prime Minister's commitment to expanding technical education and giving young people greater opportunities to explore vocational pathways from the age of 14.

The UK manufacturing sector continues to face significant skills shortages, with businesses across the composites supply chain struggling to recruit the engineers, technicians and skilled professionals needed to support growth, innovation and the transition to a greener, more advanced economy. Raising awareness of technical careers earlier is vital to inspiring the next generation and helping young people understand the rewarding opportunities available in manufacturing.

At Composites UK, our Skills, Workforce Development and Early Career Groups are already working with employers, educators and industry partners to strengthen the talent pipeline. Through careers promotion, employer engagement, mentoring and collaboration with academia, we are connecting young people with industry and helping businesses access the skills they need. We look forward to aligning this work with the Government's reforms and expanding our engagement with schools, colleges and employers.

We particularly welcome the recognition that technical education should be valued equally alongside academic routes. Vocational careers offer highly skilled, rewarding and well-paid opportunities that are essential to the UK's industrial success.

The success of these reforms will depend on genuine collaboration between Government, employers, trade associations and education providers. Curricula must reflect the skills industry needs, while employers should be supported to engage meaningfully with schools and colleges.

Composites UK stands ready to play its part, working with Government and partners across education and industry to help turn this ambition into lasting change and ensure the UK develops the skilled workforce needed to remain globally competitive.