Manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of the largest employment sectors in the UK, employing around 3.4 million people. Manufacturing includes food and drink, textiles and clothing, processing industries, printing, chemical engineering and pharmaceutical engineering.
Although manufacturing remains significant in the East of England there has been a gradual decline over the last few decades along with a similar trend in the rest of the UK. The recession will only continue to speed this up.
Employees in all science, engineering and technology occupations require a high level of numeracy due to the technical and mathematical basis of the jobs in the sector.
Employment in lower skilled manufacturing has declined in recent years because of the low cost of labour in other countries, particularly those in South East Asia and Eastern Europe.
Female employees are under-represented in this sector.
Apprenticeships can be a good route into a skilled trade. They can offer a more vocational route into work and gaining qualifications. There are more apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing than any other sector.
How much could I earn?
Assemblers and Routine Operatives £19,824
Packers, Bottlers, Canners and Fillers £15,802
Plant and Machine Operatives £24,805
Process Operatives £21,053
Production Managers £47,969
Tool Makers, Tool Fitters and Markers-Out £25,508
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen
Manufacturing employment in the East of England was expected to fall by 31,000 between 2004 and 2014 and even with an economic recovery, this is likely to continue.
Environmental audits of businesses are becoming more commonplace and businesses will increasingly need to reduce effluent and toxic waste.
There will be an increasing need for higher level skills. Computer aided design (CAD) and other technical and IT skills are particularly in demand.
New qualifications, called Diplomas, are being introduced. These will help people prepare for university, college or work. There will be a Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design. Look out to see whether it’s on offer in your area.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.