Investing in skills today secures manufacturing's tomorrow

As AI and automation reshape manufacturing, the industry's biggest mission is clear: nurturing tomorrow's talent. In honor of World Youth Skills Day on July 15, John Crane, a global leader in flow control technologies and part of Smiths Group plc, is highlighting the vital role employers play today. 

The company emphasizes that businesses must take the lead in equipping young people with the hands-on digital and technical skills they need to build successful careers.

The call comes as the World Economic Forum estimates that almost 40% of today's workplace skills will change by 2030, while nearly two-thirds of employers identify skills shortages as one of the biggest barriers to business transformation. At the same time, research from WorldSkills U.K. shows that more than half of manufacturers struggle to access the skilled workforce they need, underlining the growing importance of investing in future talent.

Kate Ellison, Vice President, HR & Health & Safety at John Crane, said: “Manufacturing is evolving faster than ever before. Digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence are transforming our industry, creating exciting opportunities but also changing the skills businesses need to succeed.

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Meeting that challenge isn't simply about recruiting talent. It's about developing it. By investing in young people, creating meaningful career pathways and supporting continuous learning throughout people's careers, we're helping build a workforce that is ready for the future.

At John Crane, apprenticeships form an important part of that commitment. They provide people with the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications while building real-world experience, confidence and practical skills alongside experienced colleagues. At the same time, they bring fresh perspectives, digital capabilities and new ideas that strengthen our business.

World Youth Skills Day is an important reminder that investing in skills today is one of the most valuable investments we can make for our people, our customers and the future of manufacturing.”

John Crane's apprenticeship programme spans engineering, manufacturing, data, digital and business functions, enabling apprentices to combine structured learning with hands-on experience on real projects that support customers across energy, process industries, mining and other critical sectors.

Jamie Bovington, Data Analyst Apprentice: “I wanted to apply the knowledge I was learning on my apprenticeship course to a business environment, make an impact and add value. Working alongside experienced colleagues has helped me develop technical skills much more quickly than I could have in a classroom alone, while giving me the confidence to contribute to projects that make a real difference. Knowing the work I do supports teams across a global business makes the experience even more rewarding.”

Stuart Williams, Director of Manufacturing Technology: “The opportunities for today's apprentices are fantastic. My apprenticeship gave me the foundations for a career that has taken me around the world, working with colleagues and customers in different countries and experiencing opportunities I never imagined when I first started. If I had the chance to do it all again, I absolutely would. It's incredibly rewarding to now see the next generation beginning that same journey.”

This year's World Youth Skills Day theme, 'Skills for a Shared Future', recognises that as technology reshapes industries, employers, educators and governments all have a role to play in ensuring young people are equipped with the skills needed for the future.

Kate added, “Engineering has always been about solving problems and improving the way the world works. The next generation will do that using technologies and tools that continue to evolve. Our responsibility is to give them the skills, experience and support they need to succeed and to ensure our industry continues to innovate for decades to come.”