Building a strong talent pipeline: Insights from the Technical Skills Shortages Focus event

1. Building the technical workforce through professional registration and apprentices

David Cameron from the Science Council outlined the role of professional registration in elevating technical careers. With more than 30 member organisations representing over 320 000 science professionals, the Science Council is working to:

• promote technical education pathways, including apprenticeships and T Levels
• link apprenticeships to professional registration to support career progression
• help SMEs navigate the challenges of offering apprenticeships through local networks and partnerships with universities and colleges
• address skills gaps through collaboration between employers, educators, and government agencies

2. Raising awareness of technician careers: The power of campaigns

Jenni French from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation shared the success of the Technicians: We Make the Difference campaign. Aimed at young people aged 11-16 and their parents and teachers, the campaigns raise awareness of technician roles across sectors such as healthcare, energy, film production, and engineering. Highlights include:

• over 1 billion views via social media campaigns and cinema ads
• the Science Museum’s Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery, with hands-on exhibits showing real technician jobs
• partnerships with BBC Bitesize and live outreach events in schools.
• dedicated teaching resources and lessons plans.
• a separate campaign, Talking Futures, to engage parents in conversations about technical careers

3. Institutes of technology: Collaborative solutions for regional skills needs

Claire Arbury from the West of England Institute of Technology, alongside Jill from the East Midlands Institute of Technology, showcased how Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are delivering technical education tailored to local and national priorities. Key approaches include:

• partnering with further education colleges, universities, and employers
• delivering advanced technical training in sectors like advanced manufacturing, green technologies, digital skills, and life sciences
• offering modular courses, micro-credentials, and innovation-focused training for both young people and adults
• encouraging SMEs to engage with learners through live projects and work-based challenges
• supporting innovation through partnerships with Innovate UK and regional Freeports

4. Driving innovation through industrial partnerships

Joe Darlington from the Manufacturing Technology Centre, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, emphasised the importance of connecting technical education with innovation. Catapults are playing a vital role in:

• supporting businesses to adopt advanced technologies and scale up
• providing specialist facilities for hands-on learning and product testing
• focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, energy systems, digital technologies, and composites
• creating regional innovation ecosystems through collaborations with universities, IoTs, and local authorities

Turning Insights into Action

Across the discussions, common priorities emerged for turning insights into action.

• Expand awareness of technician roles and technical education opportunities, especially among young people, parents, and employers.
• Increase accessibility by reducing financial and administrative barriers for SMEs offering apprenticeships and placements.
• Promote collaboration between employers, educators, and government to develop flexible training models.
• Encourage professional registration to raise the profile of technical careers.
• Leverage local partnerships to provide tailored workforce solutions.
• Use procurement and social value policies to incentivise employer engagement in technical education.

Conclusion

This focus event highlighted that collaborative, place-based approaches are essential to overcoming the UK’s technical skills shortages and unlocking long-term innovation

Webinar recording

Watch the full Talent & Skills Connect: Technical Skills Shortages Focus webinar recording.