The UK’s unemployment rate is at its highest level in three years – mainly due to the impact and effects of the pandemic. As a result, significant numbers of people are looking for their next job or a career move. Some are also looking to enter the world of work for the first time and are wondering which industries and sectors offer the most promise and the best opportunities.

Their answer, for some, may lie in manufacturing.

In the latest lockdown, the manufacturing sector (and the many industries it represents), was designated as being essential and able to carry on as normal during the restrictions. For someone looking for job security, manufacturing is arguably in a stronger position than most.

So, aside from security, what other pull does a career in manufacturing have?

Strong focus on training:

Manufacturing is constantly innovating, adapting and evolving. It offers huge opportunities and there are always new things to learn and knowledge to be acquired.

To help new (and older) employees many manufacturing companies run their own training programmes for staff. So whether you’re looking to learn the basics, interested in acquiring new skills (like operating or programming CNC machines) or looking for a position in sales and marketing, HR or quality control: the opportunities are endless.

Manufacturing companies also have a long, proud heritage in training and of promoting staff internally, meaning you’ll often be offered the chance to progress within the company.

The industry is always innovating:

Innovation is a driving force in manufacturing. You may be surprised to learn that manufacturing covers a wide range of different industries from food processing and automotive and aerospace production through to pharmaceuticals: so the chances are that there will always be something that interests you.
Just think – you could be a part of a team that develops the next spaceship, a future vaccine or a must-have computer/video game.

When new technologies begin to have an impact on our everyday lives, you can bet that they have been tried and tested first in the manufacturing sector.

You stay active:

I’ve looked before at the health risks associated with our sedentary lifestyle and, unlike many technology-based careers, a job in manufacturing is rarely one where you sit at a desk using a computer all day. This means that there can be distinct health advantages to working in manufacturing:

Health benefits include:

• Being active in your job reduces your risk of eye strain and poor posture.
• Keeping you on your feet and moving throughout the day.
• Being mentally stimulated and engaged.
• Having a job/career that offers progression and has long-term prospects.

Manufacturing needs you:

Like so many industries right now manufacturing is suffering from a skills gap – partly caused by its inability to attract young people.

Whilst it might not seem particularly attractive to some the manufacturing industry is working to tackle the skills gap by raising awareness and ensuring that high-quality apprenticeships are available.

Manufacturing is here to stay and needs skilled workers, especially as the baby boomers are retiring, leaving huge gaps in the workforce.

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