New report finds budgets are the main barrier to skills in manufacturing firms

Tackling the training gap in UK manufacturing discovered that 43% of engineers identify budget constraints as one of the key barriers to adopting a more rigorous training plan. The study also revealed that, in as many as a quarter of companies, 10 hours or fewer of training is delivered to employees each year on average.

In contrast the report found that three-quarters of companies surveyed had increased or stabilised training hours over the past five years, with a third of businesses planning to increase training budgets in the next five years.

When asked about gaps in knowledge, more than 40% of respondents identified 'automated production processes' and a third cited gaps in modern automation techniques.

“As the UK manufacturing sector borders on the cusp of Industry 4.0 with increased automation, businesses must update their approach to training. We must upskill the workforce and empower engineers with the skills they need to use Industry 4.0 technologies, whilst offering continuous development opportunities to individuals is vital.

“At face value, the survey shows that the majority of organisations are committed to training, with only a tiny proportion (2%) of organisations admitting to providing no training at all."

Last year the Greater Manchester Manufacturing Champion's were asked to recommend their suggestions to manufacturing leaders on how to boost productivity in The Big Question. All the participants cited Leadership and Management Development in their top two priorities, and Tim Monaghan, European President of Diodes Incorporated said:

"In any business, training is essential. Whether that is formal education and apprenticeships or day-to-day reflection and personal development, you will get back ten times more than you put in. The real investment is, of course, time."

Read the 'Tackling the training gap in UK manufacturing' white paper on Bosch Rexroth's website.

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