Positive news hit the UK’s manufacturing sector earlier this month, with reports1 that it had grown for the first time since July 2022 thanks to a rise in consumer goods and greater business confidence. As the largest manufacturing sector by turnover, the outlook is especially positive for the UK’s food and beverage industry.
But with an uptick in output comes a pressing need for the skills and talent required to deliver it – and for a sector that has suffered from labour and skills shortages in recent years, that’s not an easy conundrum to solve.
In August 2023 the Food & Drink Federation2 revealed that labour shortages had cost the industry an estimated £1.4 billion in the last year. Their report found that 57% of food and drink manufacturers had vacancy rates of up to 5%, with up to half of mid-sized businesses reporting vacancies of up to 10%, almost three times the national average.
So, what’s the solution?
There is no doubt that data and technology can reduce the burden on the workforce. Diagnostic sensors and remote monitoring, such as those found in our Air Products Smart Technology systems, help to automate processes and reduce the need for manual intervention.
But data can only get us so far. We still require the knowledge and expertise to translate and apply this data for commercial benefit. Technology in today’s market is involved in everything from supply chains through to production and retail, making digital skills a must. Strengthening the current talent pool by investing in training for these skills will be key for the UK’s food and beverage sector to succeed within an increasingly digitalised economy.
Upskilling the next generation
Businesses must support investment in the future to address both current and future skills gaps. Training the next generation to work with data, diversifying apprenticeships and pathways into the industry will help strengthen the available skillset.
Schemes like the Air Products Industrial Placement and Career Development Program are designed to encourage independence and innovation amongst students and graduates, gaining valuable insight from industry professionals. Comprehensive training modules cover everything from basic and advanced Excel functions, right the way through to creating analytics, forecasting dashboards and machine learning algorithms. As a vital part of our business strategy, our diverse range of work experience placements engage future talent by helping them learn, develop, and grow, equipped with the necessary skills to adapt to the digital economy.
Data and technology is vastly changing the face of the industry – and fast. But its integration into current work processes shouldn’t be something to shy away from. Embracing the opportunity to allow it to support growth, ensuring the next generation is well equipped to leverage it to their advantage, can lead to significant, positive change. Upskilling both the existing and future workforce to work with technology will help revolutionise the sector in becoming more efficient, sustainable, and successful.
1 www.thetimes.co.uk/article/manufacturers-gain-confidence-for-the-months-ahead-f50j6w3q8
2 www.fdf.org.uk/fdf/news-media/press-releases/2023-press-releases/labour-shortages-are-stifling-economic-growth-for-the-uk-food-and-drink-producers/
