NEWS n www.drivesncontrols.com September 2025 11 NEW RESEARCH HAS revealed a huge untapped potential for tackling the UK manufacturing sector’s 47,000-person skills gap, with employers missing the opportunity to harness crossgenerational learning. The research, conducted for the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), shows that 41% of the “baby boomer” generation (those aged 60–66) working in manufacturing say their skills are going unused. At the same time, 91% of “Generation Z” (those aged 18-27) say they are willing to learn from their older colleagues. According to the MTC, these findings point to a clear opportunity for industry to embrace cross-generational learning and unlock the knowledge already within their workforce, before workers with decades of experience retire. Doing so can accelerate the adoption of technology to improve resilience and boost productivity – both of which are vital to supporting the ambitions of the UK’s recently published Modern Industrial Strategy. The study reveals that the opportunity to pass on knowledge is largely being overlooked by manufacturers. Around 60% of both younger and older workers report that they are not involved in crossgenerational skills-sharing activities. The survey of 1,000 manufacturing workers aged from 18-66, conducted by Censuswide, also challenges common assumptions about digital learning preferences. Just 11% of Gen-Z workers prefer digital-only training, signalling a clear preference for hands-on, people-focused learning. On a broader issue, only 35% of the manufacturing workers surveyed report that their training includes both technical and interpersonal skills. This gap is felt most by younger employees, with 28% of Gen-Z workers and 16% of 28–43–year– old Millennial workers saying their development lacks training in soft skills such as communications, resilience and strategic thinking. “There is a wealth of knowledge already embedded in the UK’s manufacturing workforce, but too often it goes untapped,” says David Grailey, managing director of MTC Training. “At a time when the sector is facing a significant skills gap, we need to realise the benefits of many different ways of skilling, upskilling and reskilling workers – not just on bringing in new talent. Creating the conditions for employees of all ages to share knowledge on how to make the most of technological developments, and communicating the benefits is crucial. “Our research highlights just how much potential exists within crossgeneration collaboration – and how the workforce is ready to embrace it,” he adds. “Through MTC’s training programmes, we’re helping our partners to build inclusive, future-ready teams. The wider sector has the opportunity to do the same by recognising the value in every generation and the distinctive ways in which they prefer to learn. “Generational diversity is a significant strength for every manufacturer. When manufacturers invest in training that connects people – blending technical and soft skills and encouraging collaboration between age groups – they unlock greater productivity, resilience and long-term competitiveness.” One company that is embracing generational diversity in its workforce is the robotics and automation supplier, Fanuc. Through an MTC apprenticeship programme, a 20-year-old Fanuc engineer, Jack Leonard, has been working side-by-side with a 62-year-old colleague, John Strisino, for the past four years, focusing on robotics and automation. This collaboration has enabled Leonard to gain deep technical insights, while giving him fresh perspectives on problem-solving. “Learning from other generations has been a game-changer,” he says. “Their deep understanding of robotics systems, control architectures and integration workflows goes far beyond what you get from textbooks. “Working in parallel with the team has sharpened my ability to design and troubleshoot complex automation systems, all while making me more confident, technically capable and curious about pushing the boundaries of what our systems can do.” www.the-mtc.org Study reveals untapped resource for tackling UK’s skills shortage Passing on knowledge: Jack Leonard (left) and John Strisino (right) with a Fanuc controls engineer colleague, Neil Weaver (centre)
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