Engineering and manufacturing sector sets out roadmap for skills, social value and growth

A Purpose Coalition project with leading engineering and manufacturing firms has launched a new report which seeks to widen access to opportunity across one of the UK’s most important sectors. 

The report, Breaking Down Barriers to Manufacturing & Engineering, brings together insights from a series of roundtable discussions chaired by Rt Hon Justine Greening, former Secretary of State for Education and Chair of the Purpose Coalition. The project involved leading firms including Camlin Group, Curtins and Unipart.  

Engineering and manufacturing are central to the UK’s economic strength, supporting innovation, infrastructure, supply chains and the transition to a more sustainable economy. But the report highlights that too many people still face barriers to entering and progressing within the sector, including limited awareness of career pathways, inconsistent access to work experience, gaps in careers advice and underrepresentation in parts of the workforce. 

The report sets out best practice and practical recommendations across three key themes - pathways into engineering and manufacturing, the role of firms as place leaders, and mission-led procurement. 

It highlights examples of existing good practice, including outreach with schools and teachers, apprenticeship and early careers programmes, partnerships with local communities, supported employment initiatives and work to help supply chains build capability around sustainability and social value. 

Recommendations include:  

• Engaging early careers talent to understand how young people perceive manufacturing and engineering careers;  

• Strengthening mentoring and progression pathways so new entrants can build long-term careers in the sector;  

• Reforming apprenticeships to better support career changers and recognise prior experience; and  

• Strengthening support for SMEs in supply chains, particularly around sustainability and social value reporting. 

Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition, said: “Engineering and manufacturing have always been central to economic growth. They are sectors built on resilience and a practical determination to solve problems and get things done. Alongside their economic importance, these sectors also have the potential to be powerful engines of opportunity. 

“This report shows that change is both necessary and achievable. By widening access, strengthening local impact and embedding purpose into decision-making, engineering and manufacturing firms can help create opportunity for more people, in more places, for the long term.” 

The report also emphasises the role that engineering and manufacturing firms can play as anchor institutions within their communities. Through long-standing sites, local supply chains and partnerships with schools, colleges, charities and community organisations, firms have the ability to support skills, employment and wider community wellbeing. 

You can read the full report here.