Skills and training essential to global competitiveness of UK manufacturing
Related topics
Manufacturing
Skills & Training
Following the release of the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, MTC has shared its views on how the proposals could support the UK manufacturing sector. MTC points to the need for strong reskilling and upskilling programmes backed by a national workforce strategy, welcomes the introduction of short ‘Apprenticeship Units’ through the Growth and Skills Levy, and sees the creation of three post-16 pathways as a helpful step in offering learners more clarity and choice.
Investment in skills and training is essential to ensuring the global competitiveness of UK manufacturing and driving long-term economic growth. As technologies advance, it is essential that the UK’s manufacturing workforce can use these effectively.
High quality reskilling and upskilling programmes – anchored in a national workforce strategy which uses Workforce Foresighting data and incentives – are needed to ensure employers and workers can invest in the right skills, at the right time.
The White Paper introduces increased flexibility through the reformed Growth and Skills Levy. The inclusion of short, modular ‘Apprenticeship Units’, accessible via the Levy, is a positive step that will help UK manufacturing adopt advanced technologies to drive competitiveness, productivity, and profitability.
We welcome the development of the three pathways for post-16 education as a step towards greater clarity, choice and opportunities for learners. These pathways will offer alternative routes of entry into engineering and manufacturing - helping to meet the evolving needs of UK employers and encourage more people into the industry.
For years, manufacturers have called for simplified vocational qualification routes. The creation of V-Levels represents a significant milestone in streamlining the qualification landscape, reducing confusion, and increasing their engagement with the education and skills system.
As a critical sector for future growth and innovation, these proposals are good news for advanced manufacturing.
David Grailey, Managing Director – MTC Training
