The Transport Committee has launched a new
inquiry into how the Government can support transport
manufacturing in the UK by planning and investing in the skills
of its workers.
The inquiry will examine the health of the manufacturing sectors
for motor vehicles, buses, ships, aeroplanes and trains, and the
skills that these sectors need for physical construction as well
as for roles associated with research, technology and design,
fitting out and the wider supply chain.
MPs will look at how the skills needs of these sectors have
changed, and will continue to change as the economy responds to
challenges around reducing carbon emissions and opportunities
presented by new technologies. There will also be a focus on
educational routes into the sector through apprenticeships,
university or vocational qualifications.
It comes after the aerospace and automotive sectors were picked
out for particular attention in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector
Plan section of the Government's recently published Modern Industrial
Strategy, and a government
announcement that it will invest in developing and
manufacturing zero-emission automotives.
The cross-party Committee will also look at how the Government
and regional authorities, as well as the agency Skills England,
could have the most impact in this field which straddles several
different departmental remits.
The manufacture of transport vehicles and equipment amounted to
£35.3 billion of gross value added in 2024 and world-leading
innovation continues to take place in the UK.
Transport Committee Chair MP said:
“The UK has a proud tradition of manufacturing motor
vehicles, buses, aeroplanes, trains and ships. Although much has
changed, these are sectors with ecosystems of businesses and
supply chains that contribute significantly to the economy, and
which many communities are fundamentally rooted in.
“With challenges posed by competition from abroad,
technological changes and the need to reduce emissions, the
Transport Committee's new inquiry will look at the transport
manufacturing workforce, how new talent can be brought in, and
how today's workers can be upskilled.
“Fixing these problems could make the UK more attractive to
inward investment from transport companies in other countries who
want to import UK-made vehicles, or who'd want to set up their
factories here. Having a thriving, skilled workforce could also
reduce the risk of companies upping sticks to other countries,
leaving communities behind.
“We want to scrutinise how effectively government departments
work together to resolve these issues, and how the Government can
achieve the aims of its new industrial strategy.”
Call for evidence
The Transport Committee now welcomes written evidence submissions
from those with expert knowledge of the transport manufacturing
sectors. Submissions can be made via the Committee website
until 11.59pm on 15 September.
- What are the main skills needs facing transport
manufacturers?
- How far is there overlap between the skills needs of
manufacturers in different transport sectors?
- How effective are the pipelines for new workers into
transport manufacturing, including from schools and colleges,
from universities and apprenticeships, and recruiting older
workers returning to or changing jobs?
- How have technology and net zero changed the skills mix that
is needed, and how prepared are transport manufacturing
industries for future changes?
- What are the main challenges in upskilling existing
workforces?
- Are there particular skill shortages, or examples of success
in developing skills, at different points in the supply
chain?
- How effectively are different government departments working
together, and working with local and combined authorities, to
ensure transport manufacturers have the right incentives and
support for maintaining a skilled workforce?
- How effectively will the Government's Modern Industrial
Strategy and sector plans support skills in transport
manufacturing? What is missing?
- How can the UK grow employment in transport
manufacturing?
