Explore how MARCH is addressing the skills gap and securing the future of UK manufacturing! By investing in flexible training programmes, embracing apprenticeships for all ages, and integrating learning into daily operations, MARCH is building a resilient, future-ready workforce. Join us in this transformative journey.
The UK’s industrial landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by transformations in digital technologies like AI and automation, along with an urgent need to modernise ageing infrastructure and enhance critical process systems. The rising demand for energy efficiency, operational resilience, and sustainable engineering is reshaping how industrial environments are designed, maintained, and optimised.
Manufacturing remains a foundation of the economy, contributing £217 billion in output last year and accounting for 43% of national R&D investment. The sector also plays a huge role in UK employment, supporting 2.6 million jobs nationwide.
Despite its critical role, manufacturing faces a severe skills gap, posing a significant risk to competitiveness and growth. Make UK reports that there are currently 61,000 open vacancies, and their recent analysis using ONS data estimates that the cost of unfilled manufacturing vacancies amounts to over £6 billion in lost prosperity (Make UK, 2024).
Compounding this is an ageing workforce. The ECITB Workforce Census for 2024 reports that 38% of the engineering workforce is over 50, suggesting that a large portion of the workforce is set to retire in the coming years.
At MARCH, apprenticeships remain central to our talent strategy, representing 16% of our total workforce. Whilst we continue to bring in young apprentices, we also provide opportunities for adult apprentices to enter the sector. Flexibility in how, when and who we deliver training to is critical for building the engineering workforce that manufacturing needs both now and in the future.
We employ a number of adult apprentices; one example is a former labourer who is now enrolled on an electrical installation apprenticeship. Throughout his time with MARCH, he has also gained additional qualifications, including the International Powered Access Federation certificate and specialist training in solar systems.
Our approach means that training isn’t seen as a one-off, but as an ongoing process. We remain agile in our response to changes in the economy and the wider macro environment and adapt as needed. For example, during the pandemic, we were able to move quickly to increase our online learning, increasing our training output and continuing to deliver courses that supported both our people and our customers.
Established in 2021, the MARCH Academy supports career growth from apprentice to boardroom, reinforcing our ambition to develop talent from within and attract new people to the industry. Over the last year alone, our Academy delivered over 92,000 hours of training, demonstrating our strategic commitment to upskilling our workforce.
By offering apprenticeships for people of all ages, upskilling programmes, and cross-discipline training, the Academy ensures that our people are equipped with the skills they will need for the industry of the future. We believe that by building multi-skilled engineers with a deep understanding of both traditional and digital engineering techniques, we are not only securing our company’s future but also contributing to the long-term success of the UK engineering sector.
The MARCH Academy operates dedicated training hubs with classrooms, hands-on training spaces, e-learning stations, and specialist electrical training booths. These facilities allow us to not only test and develop technical competencies but also trial and integrate emerging technologies. Our latest digital training centre focuses specifically on digitalisation, enabling employees to help customers realise significant operational efficiencies and cost savings.
Shifting the mindset to make learning an integral part of daily work activities is critical. Learning shouldn’t be limited to formal training sessions but embedded in everyday operations. On-the-job training coupled with real-time feedback helps employees develop practical skills directly applicable to immediate business needs. Encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration fosters an environment where development becomes an ongoing experience rather than isolated events.
Alongside technical training, we also invest heavily in the development of soft skills. We run a number of programmes across the Academy focused on leadership, communication, negotiation and relationship management, helping individuals to work more effectively with colleagues, customers and suppliers. By strengthening skills such as decision making, feedback delivery and active listening, we’re building adaptable professionals who are equipped to lead teams, manage projects and succeed in an ever-changing industry.
The Royal Academy of Engineering’s “Engineers 2030” report underscores the critical role of digital and sustainability skills in future engineering roles, identifying a significant gap in both. This highlights the need for engineers to acquire skills in data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, and resilience to adapt quickly to technological and environmental changes.
The skills gap is an industry-wide issue, and we need to work together to find solutions. We extend our Academy training to our customers, reflecting our commitment to building future-ready engineers across the sector. Our training partnerships enable us to share our multidisciplinary engineering expertise with customers and their teams, whether to expand their skillsets or provide practical, collaborative training on newly implemented systems and processes.
Building flexibility and responsiveness into training strategies will be essential for manufacturing businesses to remain competitive. Those who adapt quickly to market changes, invest in adaptable skills and embed development into everyday practices will not only strengthen their resilience but also secure their long-term success. By embedding skills development into everyday practices, the UK manufacturing sector can secure its future, ensuring it can continue to make a significant contribution to the national economy.
Mark Longley, Corporate Services Director, MARCH
Mark Longley, Director of Corporate Services at MARCH, is an HR Executive with expertise in business transformation. He established the MARCH Academy, which bridges the skills gap in manufacturing and engineering through flexible training programmes and apprenticeships. Mark’s vision ensures a resilient, future-ready workforce, contributing to the long-term success of the UK industry.
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