Where engineering and manufacturing firms are investing their training budgets in 2025
Written by Terry Lennon from Momentum Training Solutions
The engineering and manufacturing sectors are changing faster than ever.
Automation, digital transformation, and sustainability pressures are reshaping not just how things are made but what skills people need to make them.
Across the industry, training budgets are shifting accordingly. Employers are focusing less on tick-box compliance and more on strategic capability building, developing people who can innovate, adapt and lead in an increasingly technical environment.
At MTS, we work closely with manufacturers and engineering firms to help them plan, prioritise and deliver training that drives real business impact. Here’s where we’re seeing organisations invest their budgets most in 2025.
Digital and automation skills
Industry 4.0 isn’t the future - it’s here.
Firms are investing heavily in skills around automation, robotics, mechatronics, control systems, and data analytics.
These are the capabilities driving smarter factories and predictive maintenance.
At Momentum Training Solutions (MTS), our technical apprenticeships and upskilling programmes ensure your teams can install, maintain and optimise advanced equipment with confidence.
Lean and continuous improvement
Efficiency remains at the heart of manufacturing success.
Many businesses are renewing their focus on Lean, Six Sigma, and process optimisation to reduce waste, improve flow and boost productivity.
MTS delivers structured Lean training and improvement pathways, helping organisations embed continuous improvement culture from the shop floor to senior leadership.
Sustainability and compliance
Sustainable manufacturing is no longer a side project and it’s becoming a core business strategy.
Training around energy efficiency, waste management, and environmental compliance is moving up the agenda.
MTS offers tailored courses that help teams meet current standards, prepare for future regulations, and contribute to company-wide sustainability targets.
Soft skills and leadership
As automation increases, so does the need for people who can lead, communicate, and problem-solve.
Manufacturers are investing in leadership, communication, and project management training to help teams manage change effectively.
MTS integrates these professional skills into technical pathways, creating well-rounded engineers and future leaders.
Turning training investment into business impact
The common thread across all these trends?
Manufacturers aren’t just training to keep up, they’re training to transform.
At MTS, we help you connect your training budget to tangible outcomes:
- Improved productivity
- Reduced downtime and waste
- Better compliance and safety
- Stronger retention and engagement
- Clear alignment to Growth & Skills Levy priorities
Whether you’re reviewing your training plan for 2025 or exploring how to make the most of your Levy funds, MTS can help you design a strategy that delivers lasting results.