Manufacturers condemn skills gap

The common theme was that there are not enough skilled candidates from apprentices to graduate engineers. Worries expressed over skills and attitude among the current cohort of applicants. Chris Coopey (pictured), one of the founders of the Forum and head of the Manufacturing Group at Carpenter Box chartered accountants, said: "The general view among attendees was that manufacturing and engineering is still perceived as a life amongst the dark satanic mills, whereas the reality is that the UK is at the cutting edge of a very high tech industry with the 'Made in Great Britain' brand respected and sought after across the world." In schools, the quality of careers advice was highlighted as an area of concern. This was particularly worrying for Forum members, when a show of hands highlighted that: • 75% would be recruiting in the next six months • 87% would be investing in plant and machinery over the next six months • 94% were optimistic about business prospects in 2014 Coopey added: "As a consequence of the very lively debate on the skills gap, the Forum in 2014 will arrange a specific meeting focusing on the issue. Educational professionals will be invited along to take part in a debate aimed at helping SME manufacturers and engineers to understand what can be done to help educate the future workforce about the many exciting opportunities and rewards in the manufacturing and engineering sector."