Next Gen Makers joined industry leaders, educators and students at the 2026 Leeds Manufacturing Festival
launch this week, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing the UK’s engineering and
manufacturing skills challenge.
Held at Leeds City College, the event brought together manufacturers, training providers and apprentices
from across the region to explore how industry and education can work together to build a stronger
talent pipeline.
As a headline sponsor, Next Gen Makers supports initiatives that connect employers with the next
generation of engineers and technicians.
The keynote sessions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Speakers from
Make UK, leading manufacturers and Leeds UTC all emphasised that access to skilled talent
remains one of the biggest barriers to growth.
Current industry research suggests there are nearly 50,000 vacancies across the manufacturing sector,
while 99% of manufacturers say skills supply is a key factor in their growth plans.
Despite these challenges, there was strong optimism about the future of the sector.
Manufacturers remain resilient and continue to invest in innovation, digital technology and new
products. Apprenticeships and early careers programmes such as T Levels were widely recognised as essential routes to
developing the skilled workforce needed for the future.
Several young apprentices and students also shared their experiences of entering the industry. Many
highlighted how their perception of manufacturing changed once they experienced modern workplaces
and saw the role of technology, automation and digital systems in production.
Education providers also emphasised the importance of employer engagement.
UTC Leeds alone currently supports 550 students pursuing engineering pathways, with many
undertaking industry placements through T-Levels and becoming ever more industry ready.
However, speakers stressed that more businesses must open their doors to placements, mentoring and
careers engagement to ensure young people can access real opportunities.
Next Gen Makers exists to ensure employers are properly set up to help bridge this gap.