In this latest episode of The Manufacturer Podcast, sponsored by the Supply Chain Transition Programme, we start by recapping our coverage of National Apprenticeship Week.
Overview
- Make UK has called on government to address a reported 40% decline in manufacturing apprenticeships
- Williams Racing’s in-house STEM programme has welcomed around 20,000 students in the last two years
- Successful technology implementation depends on long-term partnerships rather than quick-fix “big bang” solutions.
- US manufacturing shows signs of renewed momentum
- Are umbrellas “made by a moron?”
We reflect on the state of skills in UK manufacturing. While there are positive signs, including research suggesting parents increasingly view apprenticeships as a credible and valuable alternative to university, concerns remain.
Make UK has called on government to address a reported 40% decline in apprenticeship starts in manufacturing and engineering since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017.
There are also questions around unspent levy funds and how better to support employer-led training investment. At the same time, initiatives such as the UK Space Agency’s new ‘Skills for Space’ internship programme highlight exciting pathways into emerging sectors.
Molly shares insights from two recent events focused on developing future talent. First, she visited Williams Racing’s in-house STEM programme, which invites school students aged 8–16 to experience hands-on motorsport-inspired challenges.
Since launching, the programme has rapidly expanded – welcoming 7,000 students in 2024 and 13,000 in 2025 – with ambitions to grow further. The initiative blends technical learning with teamwork, budgeting and leadership exercises, aiming not just to educate but to inspire.
While measuring long-term return on investment remains a challenge, immediate increases in student interest in STEM careers, up from around 30% to over 85% by the end of sessions, demonstrate powerful short-term impact.
She also attended a battery sector mentoring event led by Innovate UK and the Faraday Institution’s “STEMAZING” programme.
With significant government investment flowing into UK battery innovation, the fully funded mentoring initiative supports early-career professionals across the sector. Discussions ranged from career progression and pay negotiation to allyship in a traditionally male-dominated industry. There are plans to replicate the mentoring model in other industrial sectors, including energy.
On the series theme of Digital Transformation, we take a look at two recent practical guides on The Manufacturer website. One focuses on strengthening cybersecurity on the factory floor, a pressing concern following high-profile breaches. And another offers a step-by-step approach to implementing AI in manufacturing. While AI continues to dominate conversations, many manufacturers are still laying foundational digital infrastructure. Successful implementation depends on long-term partnerships rather than quick-fix “big bang” solutions.
Across the Atlantic, US manufacturing showed signs of renewed momentum, with January’s PMI indicating the fastest production growth since mid-2022. However, policy and funding tensions remain, illustrated by Canada’s move to potentially reclaim public incentives from General Motors following planned job cuts.
The episode also introduces a new regular segment, “The Shop Floor Whisper”, offering insight from our vendor community from Sam Cain, a member of our sales team.
He joins us to talk about some signs of renewed confidence, but he also calls for more consistent long-term commitment to UK manufacturing.
And in our ‘Made by a Moron’ segment, umbrellas…
Our sponsors for this Digital Transformation series is The Supply Chain Transition Programme.
The West Midlands Investment Zone Supply Chain Transition initiative connects SMEs to a fully funded package of support and opportunities to work with OEMs and Key Customers to innovate, diversify, and help solve new and emerging supply chain challenges across health tech & med tech, smart energy systems, aerospace, modern and low carbon construction, electric light vehicles and battery manufacturing.
Delivered by the Supply Smarter West Midlands Consortium, the initiative provides expert-led diversification road mapping, skills and leadership support, and R&D grants of up to £200,000.
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