The advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors in Staffordshire are well-placed to seize multiple opportunities for growth – but they are having to deal with a worrying skills gap.
A report by the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) outlines exciting opportunities in AI, automation and the green economy including electric vehicles and renewables.
However it points out there are challenges due to ageing workforces, a lack of required skills and an inability to fund retraining for new technologies.
The Plan provides an overview of the key sectors which are well-placed to deliver to the supply chain in the Auto-Aero industries and provide Applied Materials such as advanced ceramics for energy-efficient jet engines.
But there is unsatisfied demand for skills in areas such as robotics, A1, data analytics, electrical and electronics engineering design, numeracy, leadership management, virtual design and modelling and design skills for machining and additive manufacturing.
An event has been organised by LSIP at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce HQ on Festival Park on 25 March to bring together employers and training providers in the Engineering sector as part of its county-wide drive to tackle the skills gap.
A survey for LSIP highlights marked growth in vacancies, including vehicle technicians and electricians (up 17 per cent), IT engineers (up 38 per cent) and electrical and electronics technicians (up 12 per cent).
The problem is compounded by a perceived lack of interest in filling entry/training roles, and a simultaneous inability of firms to spare staff time and money for training.
Advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses are struggling with gaps in key employees with digital skills, replacement demand and the need to fund retraining for new technologies.
There is a lack of people with accredited standards in the ceramics industry and a need to train more to higher technical qualifications, the report says.
Across the board in the sectors firms are struggling to recruit control technical support managers, manufacturing engineers, maintenance engineering technicians and electrical engineers.
Also needed are metal fabricators and welding technicians, ceramic manufacturing operators, ceramic technicians and supervisory managers.
More than 30 sessions to address the skills gap crisis are being held during March by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce in their capacity as the Employer Representative for LSIP in the region, with business leaders from a wide variety of sectors being invited.
To book for one of the LSIP events click here.
