The Great Skills Crisis
Why UK Manufacturing is Playing the World's Most Expensive Game of Hide and Seek.
And how MCP Technical Training is helping manufacturers find their way out of the maze.
Picture this: You're a UK manufacturer. You've got orders rolling in, machines humming, and everything should be rosy. But there's one tiny problem – finding skilled workers is like trying to catch smoke with a butterfly net. Sound familiar?
Well, you're not alone in this challenge. A recent comprehensive study by The Manufacturer and Barclays has revealed what many of us have been experiencing firsthand: 97.5% of UK manufacturers agree* that hiring and retaining skilled labour presents a significant challenge to business growth.
The Numbers Don't Lie (Even When We Wish They Would)
The research paints a picture that's both sobering and, frankly, a bit infuriating. Skills shortages top the list as the biggest barrier to growth for 75% of manufacturers*. That's three-quarters of businesses essentially saying, "We could conquer the world if only we could find people who know which end of a spanner to hold."
But here's where it gets really interesting – and where our passion at MCP really ignites. The study reveals that 91% of manufacturers are now taking on more responsibility to train their workforce* due to the scarcity of skilled labour. In other words, if you can't find them, train them!
This isn't just about plugging gaps anymore; it's about fundamentally rethinking how we approach skills development. And that's music to our ears.
The Plot Twist: Technology Isn't the Silver Bullet (Yet)
Now, you might think, "Surely all this fancy automation and AI will solve our problems?" Well, not quite. The report shows that while 44% of manufacturers say skills shortages have accelerated their transition to smart manufacturing*, the same percentage say it hasn't.
Why? Because here's the kicker – implementing new technology often creates different skill shortages*. You might eliminate the need for someone to manually operate a press, but suddenly you need someone who can program, maintain, and troubleshoot that shiny new automated system. It's like solving a Rubik's cube – fix one side, and three others go wonky.
As one manufacturer in the study candidly admitted: "If anything, adopting those technologies creates a different skill shortage... you need more people with digital skills and those able to operate complex machinery."
The MCP Solution: Skills That Stick and People Who Stay
This is exactly why MCP Technical Training exists, and why we've been passionate about what we do for over 30 years. We don't just train people; we transform capabilities and, ultimately, businesses.
The Multi-Skilling Advantage
The research highlighted something we've been championing for decades – the power of cross-training and multi-skilling. When your toolmakers can transition into design engineering roles, when your operators understand both mechanical and electrical systems, you're not just filling skill gaps – you're creating a resilient, adaptable workforce.
Our approach isn't about creating specialists who know everything about nothing. It's about developing multi-skilled professionals who can tackle the real-world challenges that modern manufacturing throws at them daily.
Reskilling: The New Reality
The study found that 75% of manufacturers are reskilling their existing workforce* – the top strategy for addressing skills shortages. This aligns perfectly with our philosophy: your existing team members are often your greatest untapped resource.
Through our bespoke technical skills training in electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation, we help manufacturers like you transform existing talent rather than desperately hunting for unicorns in a depleted talent pool. Our City & Guilds accredited courses ensure that your team isn't just learning – they're gaining recognised qualifications that boost both their confidence and your capabilities.
Flexible Training for Modern Challenges
The research emphasised how manufacturers are embracing flexible working arrangements (44% use them for retention*). We mirror this flexibility in our training delivery:
On-site training for teams of four or more
Scheduled courses at our Reading and Solihull facilities
Online modules for flexible, convenient learning
Bespoke programmes tailored to your specific needs
The Retention Revolution
Here's something the report highlighted that we see every day: companies that invest in their people's development see dramatically improved retention rates. When employees see a clear path for growth and skill development, they're far less likely to jump ship for the promise of greener grass elsewhere.
Our Train-the-Trainer programmes create internal capability that keeps growing long after our trainers have left your site. It's not just about immediate skills transfer – it's about building a culture of continuous learning that attracts and retains top talent.
The Bottom Line: Investment vs. Desperation
The study revealed that 72% of manufacturing organisations haven't taken advantage of credit facilities* for growth in the past year. While only 4% used financing for additional training and development*.
Here's the thing – while you're deciding whether training is an expense you can afford, your competitors who are investing in skills development are quietly stealing your competitive advantage. The question isn't whether you can afford to train your people; it's whether you can afford not to.
Looking Forward: The Skills-First Future
The research concludes with a call for "a multifaceted approach to skills development, with industry, government and educational institutions working together."* We couldn't agree more. But while we're waiting for the grand collaboration to materialise, there's no reason to stand still.
At MCP Technical Training, we've been bridging the skills gap for nearly five decades. We've trained over 500 delegates on technical courses this year alone. We know that skills change lives – both for individuals and for the businesses that invest in them.
Ready to Turn the Skills Crisis Into Your Competitive Advantage?
The skills shortage isn't going anywhere anytime soon. But with the right training partner, it doesn't have to be your biggest headache. It can become your greatest opportunity.
Our team of experienced engineers and trainers doesn't just teach technical skills – we help you build the adaptable, multi-skilled workforce that modern manufacturing demands. Whether you need welding expertise, mechanical to electrical conversion, safe isolation procedures, or comprehensive multi-skilling programmes, we've got you covered.
Because here's what we know after decades in this business: every skilled worker you develop today is a problem you won't have tomorrow, a promotion you can make next year, and a competitive advantage that keeps on giving.
Ready to discuss how MCP Technical Training can help you turn the skills shortage from a crisis into an opportunity?
Get in touch with our team – we'd love to have a conversation about your specific challenges and how we can help you solve them.
After all, in a world where skilled workers are harder to find than a parking space in central London, the smart money is on growing your own.
Want to see what we're all about? Check out our upcoming open days, explore our comprehensive course catalogue, or simply give us a call. At MCP Technical Training, we don't just train people – we build the future of manufacturing, one skilled professional at a time.
*References
This analysis is based on research commissioned by Barclays Corporate Banking and conducted by The Manufacturer between June and July 2024. The study surveyed manufacturing professionals across various industry verticals and included follow-up interviews for deeper insights.
Sources:
Office for National Statistics manufacturing job vacancy data
Survey of UK manufacturing professionals conducted by The Manufacturer, 2024