UK Engineering Skills Gap: Awards Spotlight Innovation and Workforce Development

LONDON, UK – November 03, 2025 – Nominations are now open for the 2026 Enginuity Skills Awards, a prestigious program recognizing excellence in engineering and manufacturing skills across the United Kingdom. As the sector grapples with a persistent and deepening skills gap, these awards are gaining increased significance as a platform to highlight best practices and inspire future generations of engineers.

A Sector Under Pressure: The Growing Skills Gap

The UK’s engineering and manufacturing sectors are facing an unprecedented challenge: a severe shortage of skilled workers. A recent industry report indicates that 97% of manufacturers are struggling to find and retain talent, with skills gaps identified as the biggest barrier to growth for 75%. This isn't merely a recruitment issue; it's a structural problem impacting productivity, innovation, and the UK's global competitiveness.

“The pace of technological change is accelerating,” explains one industry analyst. “Manufacturers need workers who can adapt to new technologies like robotics, AI, and 3D printing, but the existing workforce often lacks the necessary skills. We're seeing a growing demand for digital literacy, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities.”

The shortfall extends beyond technical skills. Employers also report difficulties finding individuals with strong soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. This holistic skills deficit is forcing companies to invest heavily in training and upskilling programs, but even these efforts are struggling to keep pace with the evolving demands of the industry.

Enginuity Awards: Celebrating Excellence and Driving Change

The Enginuity Skills Awards, now in their 12th year, are playing a vital role in addressing this challenge. The awards recognize individuals, teams, and organizations that are demonstrating exceptional commitment to skills development. Categories include awards for apprentices (Advanced, Degree/Higher, T Level), Training Providers, Employers (SME & Large), and Collaboration. Winners of the apprentice categories will receive £1000, while finalists will receive £500.

Enginuity, formerly a Sector Skills Council, is a registered charity dedicated to closing the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing. The organization provides data, insights, and tools to support businesses, and the awards are a key component of its mission. “We believe that recognizing and celebrating excellence is crucial to driving positive change,” says a spokesperson for Enginuity. “The awards showcase the incredible talent and innovation within the sector and inspire others to invest in skills development.”

The 2026 awards see continued sponsorship from industry giants BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, highlighting their commitment to workforce development. “These awards are about more than just recognizing individual achievements,” explains one source within Rolls-Royce. “They are about creating a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the sector.”

Industry Collaboration: Powering the Future Workforce

The critical skills gap has prompted unprecedented collaboration between industry, education, and government. Companies like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce are taking a proactive approach by investing heavily in apprenticeship programs and partnering with universities and colleges to develop curricula that meet the evolving needs of the sector.

BAE Systems is planning to recruit over 2,400 apprentices and graduates in 2025, with a total investment of £230 million in education and skills. Rolls-Royce currently has around 1,000 apprentices on programs, with a 98% retention rate. Both companies are also actively promoting diversity and inclusion within their apprenticeship programs. “We’re committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve,” says one source at BAE Systems. “We believe that diversity of thought and experience is essential for innovation.”

The awards also highlight collaborative initiatives between employers and training providers. One recent winner, The Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme, provides a flexible and cost-effective way for SMEs to access skilled apprentices. “By working together, we can overcome the challenges of skills shortages and ensure that the UK remains a global leader in engineering and manufacturing,” says a representative from The Aspire programme.

Past winners demonstrate a commitment to nurturing talent. For example, KMF Precision Sheet Metal Limited, a past Large Employer Skills Champion, has invested over £1 million in STEM projects and equipment for schools, fostering a pipeline of future engineers. Similarly, Yamazaki Mazak, whose apprentice Erin Lowe won an award in 2024, demonstrates how mentorship and empowerment can unlock potential within the next generation.

Nominations for the Enginuity Skills Awards 2026 are open until January 25, 2026, with winners to be announced at a gala event in London on July 1, 2026.