Page 27 - trends in automation

Conclusion
The UK has been conducting research
into skills in manufacturing since
1867 when there was the first Select
Committee report into the industrial
skills base. Since then, approximately
every couple of years, there is a new
Government report into the need
to increase skills in manufacturing.
Perhaps this is because we just
never seem to get it right.
Another possibility is that we are now
competing against a world base of
skills, technology is increasing rapidly,
and the speed of change is at a record
breaking pace. In the current climate
it’s interesting to note that after years
of decline, manufacturing is emerging
as our economic saviour being a main
contributor to the slow growth we are
now seeing. So, while our attention
has never been far from the skills
we need to develop, the direction of
our focus continuously changes.
It is clear from the responses to this
research that UK manufacturers clearly
recognise the need to both develop
their existing people and encourage
the recruitment of more people into
the sector. It is also apparent that
there is recognition of a shortfall
in the skills required to keep those
people engaged and committed to
the company – this often leads to a
reluctance to invest in the first place.
These skills fall into the areas of
leadership and people management (soft
skills) to a far greater extent than the
requirement for pure technical skills.
Yet it is disappointing to note that 28%
of organisations have no formal training
plans in place. Without the necessary
investment in these areas it is unlikely
the UK will see any improvement in the
skills levels, engagement or efficiency
that will see us competing to our full
potential, both at home and world wide.
We hope that this report will be of
interest in identifying the particular skills
available within your own organisation at
this time and how they are being utilised.
We would welcome your comments
and input regarding any and all
aspects of this report and would be
pleased to discuss them further.
Please email info_gb@festo.com
To download the full report go to www.
festo-didactic.co.uk/skillsresearch.
90%
42%
75%
55%
63%
76%
91%
61%
64%
53%
say maintaining moral
and motivation is an
important management
issue
have no specific
measure of employee
engagement
need to develop
management and
people management
skills
need to develop
technical capability
have received no
formal training in the
last 12 months
are finding difficulty
in recruiting the right
people
are willing to invest in
training new recruits
have or are developing
an apprentice scheme
believe leadership is in
need of development
receive no coaching in
their role
Research results –
at a glance
is infoservice 23-02
Manufacturing –
a people business white paper
Issue 23 trends in automation
Impulse 24 – 25