Closing the skills gap: Why UK industry needs workforce training now
Written by Momentum Training Solutions
A National Challenge Facing Industrial Employers
Across the UK, manufacturers and engineering firms are facing a widening skills gap. An estimated 36% of vacancies in skilled trades are hard to fill due to a lack of qualified applicants. With 700,000 engineers and technicians projected to retire by the end of the decade, the urgency to develop new talent has never been higher.
In high-demand sectors like machining, welding, maintenance, and automation, the situation is particularly acute. These roles require both technical expertise and hands-on experience, skills that are becoming harder to source in today’s labour market.
Compounding the issue is the rise of Industry 4.0. The integration of smart systems, robotics, AI, and data analytics into manufacturing processes is reshaping how things are made. However, many UK employers lack the internal expertise to effectively adopt and maintain these innovations. Without a trained workforce, the promise of advanced manufacturing technologies will remain out of reach.
The Hidden Cost of Inaction
Neglecting workforce training doesn’t just limit growth—it directly affects the bottom line.
Companies that fail to invest in staff development face:
- Downtime and inefficiency due to untrained staff mishandling equipment or processes
- Rising turnover as employees leave for organisations that offer career development
- Increased recruitment costs driven by overreliance on temporary labour
- Poor quality output, resulting in rework, scrap, and lost customer trust
- Resistance to innovation, due to staff being unprepared for new systems or tools
By contrast, businesses that commit to training see a measurable return: increased productivity, improved staff retention, and enhanced operational resilience.
How Training Fuels Business Efficiency
Strategic investment in training generates clear, immediate benefits:
- Reduced waste and fewer errors through improved skill and precision
- Shorter production cycles, as trained teams complete tasks faster and more confidently
- Stronger safety culture, minimising accidents and ensuring compliance
- Higher morale, as staff feel invested in and equipped to succeed
- Future-readiness, with a team prepared for the evolving demands of Industry 4.0
When your workforce understands both the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ behind their tasks, performance improves across every metric.
Momentum Training Solutions: Your Skills Development Partner
At Momentum Training Solutions, we help UK employers bridge the skills gap with tailored, industry-relevant training that delivers results.
Our programs are practical, hands-on, and aligned with business needs—whether you’re onboarding new team members or developing existing staff to take on advanced roles.
We offer training in:
- Manual & CNC Machining
- TIG, MIG, and MMA Welding
- Electrical Maintenance & Automation
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Workshop Skills & Tool Handling
- Engineering Drawing & Precision Measurement
- 3D Modelling & Additive Manufacturing
Each course is delivered by experienced industry professionals and can be adapted for onsite, offsite, or blended learning to suit your operation.
Why Choose Momentum?
- Industry-backed instructors with real-world manufacturing and engineering expertise
- Flexible delivery designed around your production schedule
- Measurable outcomes, including certificates, feedback reports, and staff performance tracking
- Business-first mindset, ensuring training aligns with your commercial goals
Who We Work With
Momentum supports a wide range of UK organisations:
- Manufacturers and engineering firms
- Aerospace, automotive, and defence suppliers
- Utilities and infrastructure services
- Construction and facilities management teams
- Further education providers and apprenticeships
From SMEs to global operations, we help businesses upskill with confidence.
Take the Next Step
The future of UK industry depends on a skilled, adaptable workforce. Let’s build it together.
Contact us to discuss your training needs
Visit our website to explore our full course range.
Photo credit: Jason Goodman