Manufacturing 2015: Concern over skills shortages

ONE of the key issues facing industry is attracting and retaining the next generation of employees.

The issue of skills is consistently ranked as one of manufacturers’ key areas for concern, and it was no surprise to 60% of respondents in TheBusinessDesk/ Squire Patton Boggs survey highlight it as their most significant issue.

The full findings, along with in-depth features, case studies and a round table discussion all form part of the North West supplement, which can be downloaded HERE . The Yorkshire supplement can be downloaded HERE and the West Midlands edition HERE.

Despite this region being well-served by universities and colleges specialising in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) subjects, too many bright graduates chose not to pursue a career in manufacturing, which puts a strain on employers who are looking to replenish their workforce as others retire.

Sector expert, Rob Elvin, office managing partner at Squire Patton Boggs in Manchester said: “There seems to be a particular issue finding senior employees as well as those with advanced technical skills. It’s really gratifying to note that the number of apprenticeships is increasing as an ever-growing number of companies invest in them.

“But it’s still going to take a long time to develop these apprentices so that they can handle more senior roles.”

Elvin believes that all the major political parties should agree on a course of action to tackle the issue of skills shortages within the manufacturing sector.

“Currently, some of the very good ideas from the coalition government – like the creation of the National College for Advanced Manufacturing – appear to be in limbo, and it would be great for manufacturing if the new government could come out and support the previously announced initiatives. It’s an issue that needs cross-party agreement after appropriate and careful consultation.”

Stephen Fitzsimons from EEF said said there are variations even within the region regarding the provision of funding for skills.

He said: “It’s arguably easier in Greater Manchester, because you’ve got the Business Growth Hub. If you’re in Lancashire, funding for skills is not as easy to come by.”

Vauxhall Motor’s UK HR director Phil Millward said things had improved in the last few years, but described the talent reservoir as “still terrible”.

“We’ve got nearly 5,000 employees and we are having to look to Poland and Hungary to find the skills that we require.”

squires manufacturing skills

 

 

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