“As we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns - the ones we don't know we don't know”
- Donald Rumsfeld, Former United States Secretary of Defense
This Rumsfeld quote has never felt more appropriate for the times we live in currently. It seems every day, there is a new challenge impacting the UK economy and manufacturing in particular. Whether it’s the first Labour Budget in 14 years which included some shocks, the cost of living crisis, supply chain issues due to a continuing war in the Middle East and Europe…not to mention the new threat from Russia of nuclear war.
But let’s not dwell on the negative!
There was an exciting appointment recently, especially for the manufacturing sector. There’s good news as Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive of Make UK, has been named the new Chair of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust.
Phipson will take over this role in January 2025, as a champion of pre-16 technical education. He will continue the work of the previous Chair who was instrumental in the establishment of the successful UTC programme, which now comprises 44 schools across England.
Why is this notable?
Well, over 20,000 students are enrolled at the secondary schools, which deliver a science, technology, or creative curriculum to students usually aged between 14 and 19. Last year, around a quarter of UTC leavers progressed onto apprenticeships. As we have covered previously, apprenticeships are key to resolving the ongoing skills shortage.
Employers are struggling with shortages of skilled staff and are unable to fully take advantage of the opportunities in the areas of emerging technologies that will help manufacturing and FMCG sectors survive. Political and social challenges have reduced industry’s access to homegrown talent, driving up inflation and suppressing economic growth. Having a Chair who understands the struggles in the manufacturing sector is a great benefit to the industry and we look forward to the future in this area.
Looking at the future of work, it is likely to be the unknown unknowns which will have the most profound impact in the years and decades ahead. But with smart appointments like this and an increase in apprenticeships, we're going to be in a better position regardless.
Driving Talent Acquisition for the Production Team in the Manufacturing Industry
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