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TRAINING & SKILLS
CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP
Serena Cooper, QMS International, looks at the major factors contributing to the skills gap, how it is affecting the industry, and what can be done to close the gap
unfilled in many sectors, a report by Search Consultancy found that the engineering and manufacturing industry is the worst affected, with 85% of businesses currently feeling the strain from a lack of skilled workers.
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What has caused the skills gap? The competition for talent is high and for many, there is also a struggle to secure the talent they need. An ageing workforce means experienced workers are retiring faster than new workers entering the industry. According to a government study, 186,000 skilled engineers are needed annually until 2024 to plug the skills gap, and almost 20% of the current workforce is due to retire by 2026 according to the ECITB. As these older workers leave the workforce, they take valuable knowledge and skills with them. Not only has the pandemic disrupted
training which has reduced the inflow of newly qualified staff but the demand for a tech- driven workforce means new workers need to be equipped with skills for the future. A report from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) revealed that 71% of the UK engineering workforce who are experiencing internal skills gaps say it is down to missing engineering or technical skills. With the spread of automation,
digitalisation, and robotics in the manufacturing industry, roles in the supply chain are changing. The pace at which this technological change has advanced means a shortage in the skills required to keep up. Having people with the right skills will be key to driving the industry forwards. The events of the last few years have also
played their part. The effects of Brexit have been felt, with 11 per cent of the manufacturing sector’s workforce coming from the EU, the UK’s departure has intensified the skills shortages. Without the free flow of workers
5 SEPTEMBER 2022 | PROCESS & CONTROL 2
t’s no secret that UK engineering and manufacturing are suffering a massive skills shortage. While open positions remain
from EU countries, there is a shortage of skilled workers to plug the gap. On top of this, the additional trading costs and paperwork that have come with the UK’s departure from the EU have added more pressure on businesses. It is a pressure that has been intensified by
Covid-19 and has resulted in businesses facing challenges of complex global supply chains, changing demands and industry volatility. If the skills shortage continues, there may be
severe consequences for manufacturers. With increased operational costs and reduced productivity, manufacturers unable to increase production levels and satisfy growing demands will struggle to compete, grow, and perhaps even survive. With a shortage of workers, quality control
and standards can easily slip and over time cause unhappy customers that may consider alternative suppliers. Fixing the skills gap will require collaborative
action across government, education, and business to create a long-term solution and talent pipeline. So, what can businesses do to bridge the skills gap in their business? Upskilling current workers and inspiring the
next generation should be a key focus. Inviting young people to discover the wide range of jobs available and enticing them into learning STEM skills will be a key part of creating a workforce fit for the future. Businesses need to ensure experienced
workers are passing on their knowledge to the next generation before retiring. Businesses could consider setting up incentivised mentorship programmes and training to make sure these skills are not lost forever.
What’s the answer? ISO 9001 is the world’s most recognised quality management system Standard. It is designed to help businesses of any size ensure they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders, by having a framework in place that helps ensure consistent quality in the provision of goods and services. ISO 9001 can be a powerful improvement
tool to help businesses streamline and improve the efficiency of processes leading to cost savings and increases in profit. Having a quality management system in place can increase productivity and help employees in their day-to-day roles with limited disruption. Implementing the Standard can also increase customer satisfaction by reducing errors and boosting confidence in your ability to deliver. Closing the skills gap will be vital for the
manufacturing industry and the UK economy. Manufacturers that do ‘mind the gap’ will build resilience for the future and have a competitive advantage.
QMS International
www.qmsuk.com
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