An award-winning Shropshire manufacturer has welcomed government plans to introduce manufacturing and artificial intelligence as vocational subjects in secondary schools, saying the move could help address the industry’s long-standing skills shortage.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham this week announced proposals for students to study vocational subjects including manufacturing and AI from Year 10, with the changes due to be introduced from 2028.
The announcement comes as manufacturers continue to report difficulties recruiting skilled workers, with around three-quarters of UK firms identifying labour and skills shortages as one of their biggest operational challenges. The aerospace and aviation engineering sector has been among the industries affected, prompting calls for stronger skills pipelines into manufacturing careers.
Graham Corfield, founder and CEO of aircraft boarding ramp manufacturer Aviramp, believes the reforms could encourage more young people to consider careers in manufacturing while helping businesses secure the skilled workforce they need.
Corfield, who began his career as a 16-year-old welder working alongside his father in Wolverhampton before building Aviramp into a global exporter, has overseen significant growth at the company in recent years. He was recognised as an Inspiring Leader in The Manufacturer Top 100 in 2025, while Aviramp was also named among The Sunday Times 100 fastest-growing companies.
“Anything to help any sort of shortage with skills and aid the manufacturing industry can only be seen as a positive step.
“We have seen success and growth here at Aviramp and have excellent staff who work for us, as we meet the need of clients all over the world. However, there are areas of the industry that do have skills shortages, and this could be something that helps address them.
“Time will tell, but it is a positive step. It will help present manufacturing as a career option from a young age while creating a pipeline of skilled workers for businesses across the sector.”
– Graham Corfield, founder and CEO of Aviramp
Aviramp manufactures boarding ramps and bridges used when aircraft are parked on remote stands, providing a safe, dignified alternative to stairs and separate ambulifts for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility.
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