TMG Expo 24 to Bridge the West Midlands Skills Gap in Manufacturing

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 24 seconds

Digital Skills

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Quick Read: The TMG Expo 24, held in Telford, to bring together 40 top manufacturers and industry experts to bridge the skills gap in the West Midlands and inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians.

On November 14th, more than 40 prominent manufacturing and engineering companies from across the West Midlands gathered in Telford for the inaugural Training and Manufacturing Group (TMG) Expo. This new event, organised by In-Comm Training and sponsored by FBC Manby Bowdler, sought to address the region’s manufacturing skills gap by connecting industry leaders with educators, advisors, and young talent.

Held at In-Comm Training’s Technical Academy on the T54 campus, the event promised a valuable networking opportunity for decision-makers, engineers, educators, and aspiring young professionals. Exhibitors included major industry players such as Accura Engineering, Collins Aerospace, Guhring, and Bruderer UK, along with companies offering expertise in recruitment, marketing, law, and workwear.

Paul Hodgetts, Business Development Manager at In-Comm Training, said,

“We work with hundreds of employers across the region committed to developing talent pipelines for the manufacturing sector. The idea for TMG Expo emerged from discussions with these companies, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with forty firms signed up and hundreds of attendees expected.”

The Expo aimed to bridge the skills gap by showcasing career opportunities, fostering partnerships, and offering practical workshops to students and young job-seekers. A key feature of the event was the “state of the nation” speech by David Gaughan, Head of Employer Services at the West Midlands Combined Authority, along with a STEM Workshop that introduces attendees to hands-on engineering challenges.

Bruderer UK’s Managing Director, Adrian Haller, emphasised the event’s importance:

“Skill development is a critical challenge in manufacturing, so we’re eager to support an event that tackles these issues. The industry needs fresh talent, and it’s a fantastic career field for young people. The Expo aimed to help demonstrate the exciting opportunities manufacturing offers.”

This three-hour event was free to attend and ran from 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 14th. TMG Expo 24 offered a unique chance for industry professionals and students alike to explore the many paths available in manufacturing and engineering, promoting a vibrant future for the sector in the West Midlands.

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UK Government Launches £500 Million Initiative to Fund Thousands of Science and Tech Degrees

In a significant move to address the UK’s urgent need for tech talent, the government has announced a £500 million funding drive to support thousands of new advanced degrees in science and technology. This initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap, which experts say is holding back both the technology sector and the wider economy.

Photo Credit: Alecsandra Dragoi, DSIT

Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the funding package will cover over 4,700 post-graduate degrees across 45 universities. The Labour government, elected on promises of economic growth, is looking to the tech sector as a cornerstone of the UK’s future. The degree funding, valued at £564 million and allocated through three UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) councils, will focus on critical fields such as biology, engineering, and environmental sciences. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

"Investing in the next generation of scientific minds is essential for developing the innovations that drive economic growth," “This £500 million investment will allow bright students to pursue their talents, ultimately leading to advancements like life-saving drugs and cleaner energy sources that benefit everyone.”

The skills gap has become a pressing issue across both private and public sectors. A recent Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) survey found that 38% of SMEs in the IT sector report hiring challenges due to skill shortages. Public sector agencies are also feeling the effects; last year, a Public Accounts Committee report warned of the need for increased digital expertise within the civil service, where only 4.5% of employees hold roles in digital, data, or technology.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the higher education sector, calling it a “vital engine of growth” for the UK. She also announced a broader initiative, Skills England, to ensure access to relevant training for young people and adults alike. Phillipson added: