Free training for manufacturing workers in Greater Manchester

Manufacturers in Greater Manchester can now access free technical and management training for their employees as part of a £2.4 million investment in skills development in the city region.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has awarded £1.2 million to Instep UK to deliver training designed to combat skills shortages within the manufacturing industry.

The training will focus on giving managers, and aspiring managers, the knowledge they need to move towards a ‘person-led’ way of working.

Technical training will also be provided to staff who need to learn about the tools and techniques needed for improved activity, such as mapping production processes, problem solving and making workplaces more efficient (otherwise known as lean manufacturing).

Funded by the European Social Fund as part of GMCA’s three-year Skills for Growth programme, all training offered will be free for individuals and businesses to access.

Andy Murphy, CEO of Instep UK, said:

“Manufacturing employs 10 per cent of the working population in Greater Manchester, so it has a significant impact in the overall success of the sub-region. At a time when the labour market is challenged both through the availability of labour but also the absence impact of the pandemic, it is important that businesses develop strong leadership and management principles, as well as driving efficiency, effectiveness, and performance.

“We aim to provide opportunities for all and will actively engage with underrepresented groups in order to ensure a good supply of new talent and to close skills gaps forecast by the sector. The sector specific management and lean programmes this initiative allows us to deliver, plays to the heart of these challenges, and we are very much looking forward to supporting GMCA, and GM employers, to deliver positive outcomes.”

For more information about the manufacturing courses available, please contact Instep UK via enquiries@instepuk.com or visit Skills for Growth online. Advice and support for Greater Manchester SMEs is also available through our Manufacturing Service.