Composites UK is set to host its flagship workforce development event, ‘United for Skills,’ at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Rotherham on Thursday 19th June.
This pivotal gathering aims to address the pressing skills crisis within the UK composites industry through unified, sector-wide collaboration.
The UK’s composites industry is facing a growing skills crisis, with employers struggling to recruit, develop, and retain talent at every level, from apprentices to experienced technicians and engineers. As advanced manufacturing technologies evolve, so too must the workforce. ‘United for Skills’ aims to accelerate progress through collaboration between industry, education providers, and government bodies, and help ensure that UK manufacturing remains competitive, innovative, and inclusive.
A key voice at the event will be Sian Elliott, representing the National Manufacturing Skills Task Force. The Task Force is a central advisory group working to align skills policy with industry needs, and its presence at the event underscores the urgency and national importance of the discussion.
Sian stated: “I’m delighted to be part of the inaugural ‘United for Skills’ event. Bringing together voices from across industry, education, unions and government is essential if we are to build a resilient and future-ready manufacturing workforce. The composites sector is critical to UK innovation, and I’m proud to support efforts that will drive real, long-term change in how we attract, train, and retain talent.”
Event highlights Include:
- The State of the Skills Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities
- Uniting the Sector: Government, Business, and Education
- Learning from Best Practice
- Collaborating on Skills
- Bridging the Gap: STEM, Apprenticeships, and Training for the Future
- The Path Forward: Collective Action for Skills Development
Interactive breakout sessions will cover topics such as:
- How SMEs can access apprenticeships and funding
- Building inclusive and attractive workplaces
- Supporting early career pathways and long-term retention
- Empowering the next generation of composite professionals
There will be speakers and panellists from across the supply chain – from large OEMs as well as SMEs – so there’s something for everyone. It’s a must-attend for all employers in the composites sector, HR and workforce development professionals, training providers, colleges and universities, policymakers and public sector representatives, apprentices and early-career professionals seeking industry insight.
Whether you’re shaping policy or delivering hands-on training, “United for Skills” offers practical takeaways and networking opportunities to drive real change. Learn more and register, here.