- Industry report shows highest employment figures of the year so far
- 17% increase in training investment across the sector
Scotland’s engineering and manufacturing sector has seen an uplift in staffing levels and training investment, according to a new report.
The latest quarterly report released by Scottish Engineering, the representative body for the sector in Scotland, showed continued positive signs for the industry while also noting that companies continue to face a number of on-going challenges.
The report - issued this week - showed that staffing levels within the sector increased by 14%, which was an improvement from last quarter's increase (9%) and the strongest employment recording of the year so far.
The majority of members (48%) reported that they had maintained headcount, with medium and large companies recording a 50% increase in headcount.
The research also showed that investment in training within the sector had increased by17% this quarter, slightly reduced from 21% increase last quarter, but positive for a third consecutive quarter. Medium companies led the training investment with a 45% increase, with large companies recording a 25% increase and small companies returning an 8% increase.
However, the data - which is gathered from member responses to Scottish Engineering’s quarterly survey - also noted that order intake across the industry, while still positive with an 8% increase, represented a drop from the 17% increase shown in the previous quarter, and export orders slipped back into negative territory with a 2% decrease, reversing recent gains.
Overall optimism within the industry showed a 7% increase (up from a 7% decrease the previous quarter), with medium companies showing a 30% improvement this quarter, large companies increasing by 50%, but optimism within small companies decreased by1%.
Scottish Engineering this month launched its new Skills Academy which provides training and practical skills development - including CPT-accredited programmes - for individuals and businesses working in engineering and manufacturing, covering areas from technical skills to employment rights, AI and health and safety.
Scottish Engineering Chief Executive Paul Sheerin said: “This third quarterly survey of the year maintains an overall upbeat review and outlook for our sector, however there remain some strong headwinds within the industry.
“The positive trends in both staffing levels and training investment are encouraging and tie in well with the launch of our Skills Academy which will use exactly the type of data within the quarterly results report to identify, shape and deliver new and enhanced training that fits the needs of our member companies.”
The new Skills Academy is open to Scottish Engineering members and non-members, with courses delivered at the organisation’s newly refurbished offices, at employer premises, online and through collaborative sessions across the country. The Skills Academy currently delivers 9 CPD accredited courses and programmes, and will also work in partnership with training providers and sector specialists, signposting to trusted external expertise and knowledge.
