The opportunity could be worth billions of pounds to the Scottish economy. People involved in the industry have been told that more than £230bn was at stake over the next decade. The skills gap in the workforce is one of the critical issues at the forefront of this challenge.
The Enginuity Alliance: A Key to Economic Growth
The Enginuity Alliance, launched at a high-level meeting at the University of Strathclyde, brought together interested parties from across the sector. The parties will share best practice, generate discussion, and produce hugely enhanced leverage to influence policymakers on both sides of the borders.
Collaboration is Key to Addressing the Skills Gap
Enginuity chair, Sir Jim McDonald said: “Collaboration is key, working together, businesses large and small, particularly in the SME community. This will have real-world impact. The consequences of getting it right will improvement in growth, productivity, and prosperity for all. The penny is dropping that the lack of available skills in the workforce will be one of the biggest drags on the UK economy.”
The Risk of Inaction and the Urgency of Addressing the Skills Gap
Paul Sheerin, Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering, told the gathering that billions of pounds were at risk if the sector couldn’t supply the skilled people to service the needs of infrastructure projects. He said: “Hats off to Enginuity for showing the leadership to bring the sector together. We need to work together to tackle this issue and not lose out on an Industrial Revolution sized opportunity. If we don’t get this right, not only could we lose out on the manufacturing opportunity, but we risk serious reputational damage in terms of Scotland as a place to invest and do business.”
Urgent Action Needed to Address the Skills Gap
Last month, Scottish Engineering issued a skills gap report, which warned that the Scottish economy was facing severe economic impact due to the skills gap and urged instant remedial action. The future of Scotland’s manufacturing sector and economic prosperity depends on addressing this issue swiftly and effectively.
