The EEF North East Skills Summit brought together manufacturers, government, media and the business support community to influence the skills agenda for UK manufacturing.

It was a challenge to the manufacturing community to shape the future of the skills system by grasping the opportunities now presented and as the manufacturing sector recovers from recession, it’s time for a little spring cleaning on skills and training.

Recruiting the right skills, at the right level, will equip manufacturers with the capability to deliver and grow.

Government investment in apprentices provides manufacturers with a fantastic opportunity to secure the effective practical training our sector needs for the future. Recent university fee increases could also attract more young talent to ‘earn while they learn’ through apprenticeships.

Millions of pounds in government spend is a great start to encourage more apprenticeships in manufacturing. But we need to use it, before we lose it. If we don’t, we can be sure the funding will get mopped up by other sectors.

It’s up to the sector and individual employers to ensure we offer an increasing number of apprenticeships, capturing the best and brightest talent. Apprentices are an investment in the future of our industry, and each individual brings with them a new generation of innovation and ambition.

Terry Scuoler, EEF CEO said skills have been on the agenda for some time, but as we come out of recovery, we’re seeing a greater demand for creating new jobs and nurturing talent at all levels. “I am puzzled by something so relatively straightforward – that providing skills to a group of people who want them is not happening or does not appear to be working,” he said.

“The solution is very much in our hands, and we will keep talking to government to make sure it is moving in the right direction.”

We must also continue developing our existing workforce, recognising the marriage of funding expected from the state, the employer and the individual. Employers who inject more money and attention into the up-skilling or re-skilling of existing workers will reap the benefits. Better skilled employees are more productive, ensuring companies become more competitive and attractive to potential customers and new overseas markets. 

As you will see, we managed to really stimulate the debate on shaping a demand-led skills system at a critical time for us to influence government policy on behalf of our members.

To read more about this story and other manufacturing-related articles, read our online membership magazine - Insights.

We regularly run a wide range of events and seminars across the country, covering a broad range of business-related topics. Download our events calendar or visit our events page for more information.