For the UK to reclaim its position as a manufacturing leader, there are some key changes we need to make if we want to reclaim our position as one of the world’s leaders in this industry. One of them is attracting young talent to our industry, and to achieve that we need to change their outdated perception of manufacturing. Our industry is innovative and dynamic, a field that offers exciting career opportunities and the chance to shape the future of technology and industry. Here, the problem lies with the image of the industry, something that we all must work hard to improve if we want things to change.
The perception problem
During a recent school visit, I asked pupils about their career aspirations – not one mentioned manufacturing. This highlights a significant issue: persistent outdated perceptions of our industry. Many young people still view manufacturing as 'dirty engineering', failing to see the high-tech, innovative sector it has become.
This misconception is costing us dearly. We're losing out on a generation of talent that could drive our industry and, consequently, the country forward. It's time we showcased the exciting reality of modern manufacturing to our youth.
Why manufacturing deserves young talent's attention
Our sector is a powerhouse of innovation, responsible for 47% of R&D in the UK. For young minds eager to push boundaries and create the UK’s future, manufacturing offers a perfect playground. From developing cutting-edge technologies to solving global challenges, from environmental to pharmaceutical, the opportunities for creativity and impact are boundless.
It’s obvious to me and many like me in a similar position that manufacturing offers compelling career opportunities for young people. Did you know that manufacturing wages are, on average, 10% higher than other industries? This financial incentive is just the beginning.
Bridging the gap: education and industry collaboration
To attract young talent, we need a concerted effort from industry, government, and educational institutions. This three-pronged approach must actively promote manufacturing in schools and universities, showcasing its exciting, high-tech nature. Perhaps there is more we can do ourselves to help this. We would love to collaborate even more with local schools and have students come to our facilities in Elland so we can give them a tour of our factory, show them what we do, and help transform the image of the manufacturing industry from its erroneous perception to actual reality.
There's a pressing need to align our education system with the skills required in today's manufacturing environment. This means emphasising STEM subjects and fostering soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity – all crucial in modern manufacturing. These are all skills we value highly at A-SAFE, and we are constantly seeking people who embody them to be a part of our family, including the younger generations through our apprenticeship programmes.
A gateway to manufacturing careers
Apprenticeship programmes offer a valuable route into the industry, combining practical experience with academic learning. At A-SAFE, some of our most successful employees have come through our apprenticeship scheme. These programmes provide young people with hands-on experience in high-tech environments, dispelling outdated perceptions about our industry which they can verify first-hand.
However, the process of setting up and running these schemes can be overly bureaucratic. We need to streamline these processes, making it easier for companies to offer high-quality apprenticeships and for young people to access them.
A call to action
It's time for a national campaign showcasing the exciting, innovative nature of modern manufacturing. We need to highlight success stories, demonstrate the impact of manufacturing on everyday life, and illustrate the diverse career paths available. Industry leaders have a crucial role to play in this narrative shift. We must open our doors, engage with local communities, and actively participate in education initiatives. By doing so, we can provide young people with firsthand experiences of modern manufacturing environments. This, accompanied by stable, long-term industrial strategies that prioritise vital R&D investment, helps support export growth and will inevitably end up attracting and developing young talent.
The UK has a proud manufacturing heritage, and we have the potential to lead in the fourth industrial revolution. But to achieve this, we need fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the energy of young talent.
To the young people reading this: manufacturing isn’t just about assembly lines and factories. It’s about shaping the future, creating solutions to business challenges, and driving innovation that impacts millions of lives. It’s about being at the forefront of technologies like AI, robotics, and sustainable production. The future of UK manufacturing is exciting, and it needs your talent, your ideas, and your passion so it can be even greater than it already is.
Want to join the A-SAFE team? Find a role for you on our careers page.