We are pleased to announce a new research project, in partnership with the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, to support senior leaders and educators working in Institutes of Technology to deliver internationally competitive higher technical skills in advanced manufacturing.

Identified in the Government’s Industrial Strategy as one of the UK’s eight high-growth sectors, advanced manufacturing is critical to driving economic growth, exports, and inward investment, and employers in this sector need access to world-class skills.

This research project will identify international best practice to support higher technical skills providers in their mission to develop a pipeline of talent to support productivity growth in the advanced manufacturing sector. The project will explore how similar institutions in other countries leverage employer engagement, workforce development, access to industry-standard technology, and WorldSkills competitions to develop excellence in higher technical skills for the advanced manufacturing sector.  

The project will conclude with a final report later this year, providing actionable recommendations for higher technical skills providers to support the continued development of higher technical skills in the UK.