National Apprenticeship Week: Tackling Skills Shortages and Securing the Future of Manufacturing

The Skills Challenge Facing Manufacturing

The UK manufacturing industry continues to experience a significant skills gap. According to industry research, more than 75% of UK manufacturers report difficulty recruiting people with the right technical skills, and there are tens of thousands of live vacancies across the sector. 

Experienced engineers are retiring, while fewer young people are entering technical trades. At the same time, machinery and processes are becoming more advanced with automation, CNC precision, and digital controls.

This creates a double challenge:

• Replacing highly skilled, experienced engineers
• Equipping the next generation with modern technical capabilities

Without structured talent development, vital expertise risks being lost.

Apprenticeships: A Practical Solution

Investing in apprenticeships provide a direct, effective response to these challenges. They combine technical education with real-world experience, ensuring knowledge is transferred while new skills are developed.

At JJ Smith, apprentices are immersed in the business from day one. Whether supporting machine installations, assisting with servicing and maintenance, or learning about advanced woodworking machinery, they gain hands-on exposure that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom alone.

This approach ensures:

• Knowledge transfer from experienced engineers
• Development of modern technical skills
• Long-term workforce sustainability
• Stronger employee retention and loyalty

An Apprentice Perspective

For JJ Smith Engineering Apprentice Amy Mousley, the appeal of manufacturing lies in its constant evolution and variety.

What Amy enjoys most about her role is the variety and continuous learning:

“There’s always a new challenge, a new tool, a new system to get to grips with. And working as part of a team to solve real-world problems is incredibly satisfying.”

Amy’s experience reflects the reality of modern engineering – it’s dynamic, collaborative, and continually developing. It also demonstrates how apprenticeships provide young people with meaningful careers built on skill, confidence and progression.

Looking ahead, Amy has big plans. She’s on track to complete her apprenticeship and qualify as an engineer, with aspirations to step into leadership, mentor others, and advocate for greater inclusion in the industry.

Changing Perceptions: Attracting Young Talent

One of the biggest challenges facing manufacturing is perception. Too often, the industry is seen as outdated or lacking opportunity. In reality, modern manufacturing is high-tech, innovative, and full of progression routes.

Today’s engineering roles involve:

• Advanced automation and robotics
• Precision CNC programming
• Digital diagnostics and smart systems
• Problem-solving in real-world environments

To attract young people into the industry, we must actively showcase these opportunities. That means engaging with schools and colleges, promoting clear career pathways, and highlighting that apprenticeships offer:

• Earn while you learn opportunities
• Industry-recognised qualifications
• Clear progression routes
• Long-term career stability

Apprenticeships demonstrate that manufacturing is not a fallback option. It is a skilled, respected, and future-focused career.

Our Commitment at JJ Smith

With over a century of engineering experience, JJ Smith understands the importance of investing in people as much as technology. Several members of our team began as apprentices and have progressed into senior technical and leadership roles – proof that apprenticeships create real career momentum.

Our structured development programmes ensure apprentices are supported, mentored, and challenged, building both technical expertise and confidence.

National Apprenticeship Week gives us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment not only to developing our own workforce, but to strengthening the wider manufacturing sector.

Looking Forward

If the industry is to thrive, collaboration between businesses, educators, and young people is essential. By championing apprenticeships and actively promoting careers in engineering, we can close the skills gap and secure the future of manufacturing.

At JJ Smith, we believe the next generation of engineers is already out there, they just need opportunity, support, and belief.

And that’s exactly what apprenticeships provide.

If you would like to find out more about the apprenticeship opportunities available at JJ Smith, please get in touch.