Growing skills and labour gap.

Technological leaps herald a bright future for manufacturing, but workforce challenges are holding the sector back.

Supply of labour: low

An ageing workforce and lack of new entrants means 36% of vacancies are proving hard to fill, with many empty for a year or longer.

Demand for skills: high

Existing staff and new recruits often lack the skills required to succeed. New technologies and processes are rapidly changing the game.

2.4 million

additional skilled manufacturing workers are needed by 2025.

43 years

is the average age of a manufacturing employee. Many plan to retire early.

45%

of manufacturing executives have turned down business due to lack of workers.

Seize the opportunity: Industry 4.0.

Industry 4.0 brings transformation

AI, advanced robotics, data analytics, and the internet of things (IoT) are already overhauling the manufacturing landscape.

Smart factories promise more efficiency and productivity, less manual work, and more data-driven, automated processes.

But achieving this depends on having the right workforce in place, with the right skills.

Employees will have to be even more open to change, possess greater flexibility to adapt to new roles and work environments, and get accustomed to continual interdisciplinary learning.”

M Lorenz et al, Man and Machine in Industry 4.0, BCG

Upskill and reskill existing staff

Investing in training and development is crucial. Meet the need for a multiskilled, flexible workforce by creating a culture of continuous learning.

This also boosts employee engagement and retention. Focus on digitally-enabled, personalised tools that embed training and development activities into the flow of work.

Find out more: 4 steps to prepare your workforce for Industry 4.0

Attract and recruit new talent

To broaden the appeal for younger workers:

Fight negative perceptions of the industry
Foster links with educational institutions
Look at flexibility, culture, DEI, and ESG

Beat knowledge loss and attract talent

Manufacturing employees need your support

The cost-of-living crisis is making things tough for many in the sector. Learn how to support and educate them for a happier, more productive workforce.

Learn more

Manufacturing payroll and HR

BAE Systems, Mercedes-Benz. Serco. We're proud to work with top-tier manufacturers. Our understanding of the industry means we deliver the right payroll and HR solutions and services.

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