UK Manufacturing Seeks the Next Generation of Automation Experts
The UK manufacturing industry stands at a critical juncture. Faced with an ageing workforce and increasing global competition, the sector must embrace automation and invest in the education of future generations to secure its long-term success. At Deploy, we recognise that developing a digitally skilled talent pool is not merely an option – it's a necessity for businesses looking to thrive in the era of Industry 4.0.
The numbers tell a stark story. With nearly 20% of the UK manufacturing workforce aged 55 or above and less than a tenth under 25, the industry risks losing a wealth of experience and knowledge as veteran employees retire. This looming skills gap underscores the urgent need to cultivate a new generation of automation experts, capable of driving innovation and efficiency in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.
Compounding this challenge is the UK's relatively low adoption of automation compared to other industrialised nations. While countries like Germany boast nearly 400 robots per 10,000 employees, the UK's robot density sits at a mere 111. To bridge this gap and boost productivity, manufacturers must not only invest in advanced technologies but also in the human capital needed to harness their full potential.
Education holds the key to unlocking this potential. By integrating automation and robotics into curricula at all levels – from primary schools to universities – we can inspire and equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in the manufacturing jobs of tomorrow. This requires a concerted effort from industry, academia, and government to develop engaging, industry-relevant programmes that blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Organisations like FANUC UK are leading the charge in this regard. Through initiatives such as their Training Academy and partnerships with schools and colleges, FANUC is helping to demystify automation and provide students with valuable, accredited learning opportunities. By bringing education and industry closer together, these programmes are laying the foundation for a more dynamic, innovation-driven manufacturing sector.
However, nurturing new talent is only part of the solution. To truly capitalise on the benefits of automation, manufacturers must also cultivate in-house expertise through
reskilling and upskilling. By building dedicated automation teams and embedding these capabilities into their core operations, businesses can foster a culture of continuous improvement, reduce reliance on external support, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
This shift towards in-house automation is already gaining traction in sectors like automotive and e-commerce, where forward-thinking companies are reaping the rewards of a more agile, responsive approach to technology adoption. As the UK manufacturing industry evolves, we expect to see more businesses follow suit, recognising the value of a highly skilled, internally driven automation strategy.
Securing the future of UK manufacturing requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. By working together to prioritise automation education, foster in-house expertise, and create a supportive ecosystem for innovation, we can position the UK as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.
At Deploy, we're committed to being a catalyst for this change. As a trusted partner to the manufacturing industry, we understand the challenges and opportunities that automation presents. Our team of specialist recruiters is dedicated to connecting businesses with the talent they need to navigate this new landscape – from experienced automation engineers to the brightest emerging stars in the field.
Whether you're a manufacturer looking to embrace new forms of automation, or a talented professional seeking to make your mark in the industry – now is the time to act. At Deploy, we stand ready to support you on this journey, helping to build a stronger, more resilient manufacturing sector that's ready to meet the challenges of the future head-on.
