The skills gap in manufacturing & engineering isn’t coming. It’s already here. And it’s widening by the day.
Across the West Midlands, experienced machinists, welders, toolmakers, press brake setter/operators, and maintenance engineers are reaching retirement age. Many of them have spent decades perfecting their craft, holding together production lines, and passing on their knowledge to the next generation.
The problem is, the next generation is thin on the ground.
Why The Skills Gap is Growing
- Retirements are accelerating – Skilled workers are leaving the workforce faster than replacements can be trained.
- Lack of awareness – Many school and college leavers don’t see manufacturing or engineering as an exciting career option, despite the huge earning and progression potential.
- Training takes time – You can’t learn precision CNC machining, fabrication, or engineering overnight. Without succession planning, the knowledge disappears when the worker walks out the door.
- Specialist roles are harder to fill – The more niche the skill, the smaller the talent pool.
The Risk for Business
If we don’t act, businesses face:
- Slower lead times due to understaffed teams
- Increased costs from relying on short-term contractors
- Missed opportunities because projects can’t be delivered on time
- Loss of expertise that takes years to rebuild
The West Midlands has always been a manufacturing powerhouse, from metal fabrication and automotive to precision engineering and food production machinery. But without fresh talent, we risk losing the very industries that built our region’s reputation.
Bridging the Gap
The solution isn’t just hiring experienced workers (though that’s still vital). It’s also about growing your own:
- Hire trainees and apprentices – Teach them your processes, your standards, your way
- Invest in upskilling existing staff – A press operator could become your next setter
- Partner with specialist recruiters – We know where to find the motivated individuals ready to start their journey
At Oliver Rae, we’re helping manufacturing and engineering companies across the West Midlands plan for the future, sourcing both experienced hands and fresh talent with the drive to learn. Find out how we can help you find the right trainee for your team here.
We can’t stop people retiring, but we can make sure someone’s ready to step into their shoes.