Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing

The Leeds City Region is at the heart of the UK’s engineering and advanced manufacturing industry, with 7,300 manufacturing and engineering businesses based in the region employing 144,000 people. With world-leading specialisms and businesses, the Leeds City Region represents the largest manufacturing base in the UK. Regional manufacturing specialisms include a diverse range of activities such as textiles, glass processing, furniture and wood products, chemicals, electrical equipment and beverages.

We understand that the sector faces a wide variety of challenges, including difficulties finding staff with relevant skills, an ageing workforce, increasing automation, and a lack of young people entering the labour market. These factors are leading to an increasing need for training and skills that aligns to the changing needs of the sector.

Having listened to employers, education providers and industry bodies in the region, we have several project ideas from various colleges. These include skills projects around robotic technologies, additive manufacturing, a glass manufacturing apprenticeship and train the trainer development for senior engineers and technicians. As part of the on-going project development work, we are keen to engage local employers in the industry to help shape the future provision and take part in the pilot training, once developed.

Pilot training projects for Leeds City Region businesses

There are fully-funded pilot training projects currently on offer for businesses to take up and test. Find out more and enquire below.

Skills Audit of the Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Sector

Additive Manufacturing – Rapid 3D Prototyping

Skills audit of bed and furniture sector in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire