The report – Skills and Performance Challenges in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector – has also called upon universities and vocational training providers to ensure that technology skills are "embedded at the heart of a wide range of STEM-related programmes, alongside leadership and management and supply chain management skills".
The report examines skills and performance challenges facing the advanced manufacturing sector and the mix of skills needed in specific occupations, as well as employer awareness of and engagement with national occupational standards.
"Some employers report that offering apprenticeships has enabled them to address skills and performance challenges, as well as helping to recruit production and process engineers, it said.
"Other employers within advanced manufacturing could assess the benefits of offering apprenticeships, and ensure they have clear pathways in place to enable progression to higher-level technical and professional roles."
UKCES added that managers in advanced manufacturing should explore ways to "take ownership over their own continuing professional development and ensure that they have the space and learning opportunities".
It said: "Continued investment by government in collaboration between HE and industry is likely to be worthwhile in the context of industries that need to mitigate risk in order to pursue business development / innovation."
It suggested that there may also be a role for government to help foster those links and support the development of skills and knowledge beyond traditional industry silos, and to conduct more research to examine good practice in engaging SMEs in r&d and disseminate this widely across the sector.
The Annual Business Survey from the Office for National Statistics estimated there were around 29,000 advanced manufacturers operating in the UK in 2013, comprising around 23% of the total number of manufacturing enterprises (128,000). These companies generated more than £72 billion of GVA in 2013.
UKCES added: "The number of advanced manufacturing enterprises has declined slightly in recent years, but their share of GVA has largely remained constant, indicating a degree of consolidation in the sector, alongside growth for some employers."
