ATA Recruitment

​Closing the skills gap in UK manufacturing

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The UK manufacturing sector continues to face a significant capability challenge. Recent research highlights a 47,000 person skills gap across the industry, shaping how organisations plan, operate and invest in their future workforce. While this shortfall is often discussed in terms of attracting new talent, new findings from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) show that there is also a clear opportunity within the existing workforce.

Many manufacturers are not making full use of the experience already present in their teams. At the same time, younger workers are motivated to learn and progress. Making better use of skills already in the business can play an important role in closing the skills gap and supporting long term workforce strength.

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Skills are available but underused

The MTC reports that 41 per cent of Baby Boomers working in manufacturing feel their skills are not being fully used. This represents a large amount of experience in areas such as maintenance, quality, automation and specialist machinery. When this knowledge is not shared or applied effectively, organisations risk losing valuable insight that supports safety, reliability and performance.

This issue sits alongside continued demand for engineering talent. Make UK’s latest data shows there are 56,000 open vacancies in UK manufacturing, underlining the need to use existing expertise as effectively as possible while continuing to recruit.

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Younger workers are ready to develop

Alongside this experience, younger talent is keen to build skills. According to the MTC study, 91 per cent of Gen Z workers say they want to learn from others in the workplace. This is supported by wider 2024 research which shows that 62 per cent of Gen Z employees are more likely to stay with an employer when they receive clear development opportunities.

This highlights the value of creating environments where learning happens as part of day to day work. When people can develop, businesses benefit from stronger capability and improved retention.

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Skills are not always being shared

Despite the willingness to learn and develop, this does not always happen in practice. Research shows that around 60 per cent of workers are not regularly sharing skills or learning through the job. This can mean limited coaching, fewer chances to learn through problem solving and a heavy reliance on a small number of experienced individuals.

This matters because the skills manufacturers need are changing. The 2024 Make UK Skills Survey reports that 68 per cent of manufacturers say multiskilled engineers are the hardest roles to fill. When skills are not passed on, teams become less flexible and harder to scale.

Encouraging practical learning helps build stronger teams, keeps knowledge in the business and reduces risk when experienced employees leave or retire.

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Why this matters for the future of manufacturing

Skills shortages are already having a clear impact. Make UK’s latest survey shows that 78 per cent of manufacturers are seeing productivity loss due to skills gaps. At the same time, ONS data confirms that one in five manufacturing workers is now over 55, increasing the risk of knowledge loss in the coming years.

Businesses that create clear ways for skills to be shared and developed are better placed to protect output, support new technologies and prepare for future demand. This applies across general engineering, FMCG, aerospace, automotive, construction materials, warehouse automation and process engineering.

Building skills within teams supports performance today and helps secure long term resilience.

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How ATA Recruitment can help

ATA Recruitment works with engineering and manufacturing businesses to strengthen capability through high quality permanent, contract and interim recruitment. With access to more than 60,000 pre vetted candidates, we help organisations secure the skills they need while supporting individuals into roles where they can grow and add value. If you are planning future workforce needs or looking to strengthen your technical teams, ATA Recruitment is ready to support you.

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