Yorkshire Manufacturing 2012: Facing the skills challenge

SKILLS shortages are a significant issue facing Yorkshire manufacturers as their processes become increasingly sophisticated.

Industry complains that the education system fails to deliver young people ready to work but schools and universities are quick to suggest those criticisms are outdated.

John Morris, chief executive of JAM Recruitment, which has an office in Leeds and specialises in engineering and manufacturing recruitment, believes blame for the skills gap facing the sector must be shared.

He said: “The Government, and to an extent industry, is doing too little to educate young people at a grass roots level about the benefits of choosing a career in manufacturing.”

The skills challenge is considered in more detail in Yorkshire Manufacturing 2012, a new supplement from TheBusinessDesk.com in partnership with Deloitte and DLA Piper.

Sheffield Forgemasters has already made a significant commitment to developing skills in its workforce with 70 members of staff, around 10% of the workforce, on apprenticeships.

Director Peter Birtles said: “We commit to them that from day one they are a permanent full-time employee for the rest of their life if they want.

“They will automatically go on to a full-time job here. For the last eight years we have honoured that and will continue to do so.”

Click here to download the free 19-page supplement Yorkshire Manufacturing 2012.