Get ahead of 2026: How to build your engineering training plan now

Written by Terri Lennon from Momentum Training Solutions

As we approach the end of summer, engineering and manufacturing leaders are already looking ahead and reviewing 2025 performance, scoping investment plans, and thinking about the capabilities needed to compete in 2026 and beyond.

One area not to leave until the last minute? Training and workforce development.

With major changes on the horizon from a proposed Skills Passport to revised apprenticeship funding bands now is the time to take stock of your team’s skills and strategically plan your training needs.

Why August is the time to start planning training

While it may seem early, many of your competitors are already:

• Reviewing their levy usage before year-end expiry
• Scheduling critical compliance and safety training
• Budgeting for new skills aligned to automation, sustainability, and digital transformation
• Preparing to access new funding routes from April 2026

In short: the best-prepared businesses are using this time to futureproof their workforce.

Sector changes you need to know about

Recent announcements make training strategy more important than ever:

• Skills England is reviewing apprenticeship funding bands – a potential opportunity to reshape your apprenticeship programmes for better value and flexibility.
• Make UK’s Skills Commission has proposed a national ‘Skills Passport’ – streamlining how engineering competencies are recognised across employers and providers.
• From April 2026, a new Growth and Skills Levy will fund short courses for advanced manufacturing – especially relevant for reskilling and upskilling experienced workers.
• The government has committed £100m in engineering skills investment over the next three years – with regional and sector-specific projects already in development.
• A new Make UK-led Equality Charter is being backed by government, aiming to boost inclusivity across industry – creating opportunities to embed EDI into training strategy.
• Key engineering roles have been exempted from the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold rise – showing a clear government priority to protect industrial capability.

How to build a future-focused training plan

With so much change ahead, here’s how to take a proactive, strategic approach:

1 Conduct a mid-year skills audit

Benchmark your current team against emerging sector needs – automation, robotics, lean practices, and digital literacy are all growing priorities.

2 Map training to strategic goals

Whether you're scaling operations, bidding for major contracts, or shifting to net zero, your training plan should support delivery of those outcomes.

3 Review apprenticeship usage

Are you maximising levy funds? Are your current apprenticeships aligned to your future workforce needs? Changes to funding bands could improve return on investment.

4 Prioritise safety and compliance

Courses like abrasive wheels, working at height, and confined spaces must remain up to date. planning now avoids costly downtime or non-compliance.

5 Plan for April 2026 funding

If you deliver advanced manufacturing or high-value engineering work, the Growth and Skills Levy offers a new opportunity to fund targeted short courses.

How we support engineering and manufacturing teams

We help employers across the sector plan and deliver effective training that’s:

• Fully aligned to operational and strategic priorities
   
• Responsive to compliance requirements and audit timelines
   
• Mapped to future funding and policy opportunities
   
• Designed to retain and develop a diverse, inclusive workforce

From apprenticeships to short courses and bespoke workforce development plans, we’re here to support your 2026 strategy.

Book a free training planning consultation today, and let’s build a workforce ready for tomorrow.