Reflecting recently on his experience as a senior member of the Creative Industries Leadership Group, Inner Ear Director, Dougal Perman, starts a new series exploring how creative solutions can be applied to solve problems in specific sectors. First up: manufacturing.
In today’s manufacturing landscape, skills shortages are more than an HR issue — they are a business-defining challenge. As automation, digitalisation and sustainable practices transform our factories, having a skilled, adaptable workforce has never been more critical. Yet, as many manufacturing leaders know, finding qualified people with the right mix of expertise is becoming harder. So, what if we approached the skills gap with a fresh perspective?
Imagine a strategy where talent development isn’t confined to training manuals and in-house workshops but is instead elevated to a multimedia experience that connects with aspiring and current professionals alike. What if we could attract, train and inspire talent by presenting manufacturing as a cutting-edge (pun intended) industry at the forefront of innovation, problem-solving and impact?
Here’s how Inner Ear’s visionary approach could help you reimagine talent development, using creative storytelling and digital engagement to address the skills gap head-on.
1. Live-Streamed Industry Insight Sessions
What If you could offer prospective talent an inside look at the industry?
Manufacturing has a reputation problem. For many, it’s still viewed as a labour-intensive field with limited career progression — a perception that doesn’t match the reality of today’s advanced manufacturing sector. To combat this, we propose a series of live-streamed industry insight sessions, broadcast from key facilities and led by seasoned professionals. Each session could focus on a specific skill or challenge within the industry, from automation to sustainable materials, showing the dynamism and innovation inherent in manufacturing.
These insight sessions could be broadcast to schools, universities and training centres, engaging young talent and professionals looking to pivot into manufacturing. By spotlighting real-world applications, you provide a compelling narrative: manufacturing isn’t just about making things; it’s about building the future.
2. Podcast Series: “The Makers of Tomorrow”
What If your organisation could inspire ambition and pride in manufacturing careers?
Creating a sense of identity and pride in manufacturing is essential for attracting the right talent. A podcast series titled “The Makers of Tomorrow” could profile skilled workers, industry innovators and thought leaders, allowing listeners to explore the human stories behind the technology and production lines. Episodes could cover everything from the cutting-edge tech being used on the shop floor to personal career journeys, reflecting the diverse paths into and within manufacturing.
Elspeth is an aspiring engineer. She’s listening to an episode featuring a case study with Mairi, who began her career as an apprentice and went on to lead a team in sustainable manufacturing. This storytelling approach can help inspire ambition in prospective talent and create a feeling of community and purpose in the workforce — a powerful motivator for both recruitment and retention.
3. Virtual Workshops on Emerging Skills
What If you could engage employees and newcomers with interactive virtual workshops tailored to industry needs?
To truly bridge the skills gap, training needs to be engaging, accessible and adaptable to industry shifts. We envision a series of interactive virtual workshops that go beyond conventional e-learning. These workshops could focus on emerging skills, such as data analysis in production, using IoT for quality control or sustainable practices in materials sourcing.
Shot with high production values in state-of-the-art factories and featuring real-time Q&A and hands-on practice exercises, these virtual workshops would bring the training experience to life. They could also be used to upskill your current workforce, ensuring they’re equipped to handle new technologies and methodologies as they become part of your manufacturing processes.
4. Digital Mentorship Programme
What If mentorship in manufacturing was reimagined as an accessible digital experience?
The manufacturing sector has a wealth of experience and knowledge held by veteran professionals. To pass this on to the next generation, we propose a digital mentorship programme where experienced workers share insights, skills, and advice with mentees through short video clips, live Q&A sessions, or even collaborative projects.
Imagine pairing James, a newly hired apprentice with Craig, a veteran machinist and digital mentor who can guide him through a specific project, from concept to execution. Not only does this strengthen skills transfer, but it also forges stronger connections within the company, cultivating a continuous learning culture through shared expertise.
5. Social Media Campaign: “A Day in the Life”
What If we showcased the diverse roles and career paths within manufacturing through social media?
To appeal to the digital-savvy generation, we need to meet them on platforms they already frequent. Sure, we would publish posts on LinkedIn and YouTube, but this campaign’s key engagement would be driven through tactical positioning on TikTok and Instagram. A social media campaign titled “A Day in the Life” could feature short videos, images and stories highlighting different roles within your sector. From machine operators to automation engineers, each post could show the unique challenges, tools, skills, problem-solving and successes involved in a typical day, humanising the industry and sparking interest among young people considering their career paths.
This campaign could also serve as a recruitment tool, appealing to potential employees who may not have considered manufacturing before. Each post could link back to an employee profiles, where they can learn more about the role, qualifications, and, importantly, opportunities for advancement.
Pragmatic, Yet Visionary
The skills gap is one of the biggest obstacles facing manufacturing today. But it also presents an exciting opportunity. By shifting the narrative, embracing new media and delivering training that resonates with today’s workforce, we can create a new perception of manufacturing: one that is innovative, essential, and full of potential.
At Inner Ear, we specialise in helping companies tell powerful stories, engage audiences, and connect meaningfully with their workforce. With these strategies, we can help you bridge the skills gap and position manufacturing as a career of choice for the ambitious, skilled workers of tomorrow. Let’s chat, and manufacture the careers of tomorrow.