Unlocking Growth
The UK has a long history in manufacturing and this has been a fundamental part of our economy’s strength and success. As a sector, manufacturing constitutes approximately 9% of GDP, employs over 2.7 million people, and pays salaries that are around 15% higher than the national average.
While it has seen steady growth in recent months, the UK Manufacturing sector faces significant challenges—from supply chain disruptions and high production costs to a skills gap that limits productivity. Identifying, addressing and overcoming these challenges through skills development has become more crucial than ever to ensure the sustainability of the sector’s growth.
Manufacturing Sector Challenges
Over the last five months, UK manufacturing has shown resilience, driven by a rise in domestic demand and the production of high-quality goods. However, despite this spell of growth, exports have slowed, and optimism for the sector has dipped to a nine-month low amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties. The Centre for Economic Performance recently identified that stagnant productivity is also affecting wages, which have barely grown in real terms since 2005.
A shortage of skills has compounded these challenges, making it harder to fill key roles and adapt to rapidly evolving technology. Research indicates that without targeted action, 20% of the UK workforce could be significantly under skilled by 2030. This will have a dramatic impact to business capacity, capability & productivity, while undermining quality, stalling innovation, and limiting long-term growth.
Boosting Productivity through Skills
In the current market environment, boosting productivity and enhancing workforce skills have become critical priorities for UK manufacturing. To address these needs, the UK Government has introduced Skills England—a new organisation dedicated to streamlining workforce development and equipping the sector with the skills essential for growth.
By investing in training that focuses on leadership, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, businesses can empower their teams to identify inefficiencies and foster a culture of innovation. Developing pragmatic skills in employees is the key to unlocking processes, developing problem solvers and improving productivity and output performance. This approach also enables employees to develop and leverage digital tools and automation effectively, accelerating the sector’s transition into a high-tech, future-ready industry.
Building a Culture of Ongoing Progress
Continuous improvement is a phrase that has long been associated with manufacturing excellence and is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. This approach isn’t about large-scale transformations—it’s about making incremental improvements that accumulate over time to create substantial productivity gains.
By equipping employees with the skills to analyse and optimise processes, manufacturers can reduce waste, improve quality, and boost efficiency across their operations.
Embedding continuous improvement into the company culture empowers employees at all levels to seek ways to streamline their work, ultimately leading to better outcomes and sustained growth. This proactive mindset is particularly valuable in an industry that must constantly adapt to market fluctuations and evolving technology. A commitment to continuous improvement not only improves day-to-day productivity but also lays a foundation for long-term industry success.
A Culture for Success
Effective leadership is core to driving productivity in manufacturing. Equipping managers with the crucial skills required for decision-making, problem-solving, conflict management and team motivation, helps to embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout the workplace.
Strong leaders can guide their teams through complex challenges, streamline processes, and encourage innovation at every level. By developing leaders who understand and apply these principles, businesses can build a resilient, productivity-focused workforce that adapts to customer & market demands and technological advancements.
Preparing for the Future
For the UK Manufacturing sector, the message is clear. To maintain strength in a competitive global market, businesses must address the ongoing challenges facing productivity. Skills development is not just a strategy for growth—it’s a necessity for navigating today’s complex economic landscape.
Investing in training, focusing on leadership development, and embracing continuous improvement will help manufacturers unlock new levels of performance and drive sustainable growth. By prioritising training and continuous improvement, businesses can ensure that their workforce is prepared to meet future challenges and contribute to long-term success.
Practical Training for Manufacturers
For manufacturing businesses, finding cost-effective training that balances flexibility, relevance, and practicality is essential. Skills England provides a strategic framework for addressing these needs, while Click2Learn offers practical solutions tailored to manufacturing. Investing in skills today prepares your workforce for tomorrow’s challenges and can help your organisation unlock its full productivity potential.
Click2Learn’s training programmes are designed to address these needs through three courses focused on the manufacturing sector’s unique challenges. Our blended approach combines online learning with work-place assignments and hands-on coaching, enabling employees to apply skills immediately and make a tangible impact on productivity.
Continuous Improvement – Provides learners with the knowledge and skills to identify improvement areas and actively contribute to organisational success.
The Lean Leader – A CMI Level 3 programme that provides the essential skills needed to be a more effective leader
Practical Problem Solving - Providing learners with the structured problem-solving skills required to tackle significant challenges.
Why choose Click2Learn?
1. Flexible, Accessible Learning: Our online modules are accessible anytime, anywhere, making it easy for employees to balance learning with work.
2. Comprehensive Courses: From leadership and operational excellence to continuous improvement, our training covers essential areas that enhance productivity.
3. Blended Learning Model: Our approach combines digital learning with workplace assignments and live coaching, reinforcing skills application and supporting long-term growth.
4. Cost-Effective: Our programmes offer scalable training options, allowing businesses to upskill teamssimultaneously without incurring high costs.
5. Bespoke Solutions: We offer training that is tailored to the unique requirements of your business with workshops that address real workplace challenges for more immediate results.
6. Lean Methodology Focus: By incorporating Lean principles, our courses support sustainable growth, helping manufacturers achieve efficiency and agility.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to find out more about Click2Learn, our programmes or to discuss tailored solutions that meet the unique challenges of your business, please give us a call on +44(0)247 718 0496 or drop us a line at info@click-2.com.