The Aluminium Federation (ALFED), in partnership with Make UK, is drawing attention to a critical challenge facing the UK aluminium manufacturing supply chain: the need for a skilled and resilient workforce. As an industry vital to achieving the UK’s net-zero ambitions, driving innovation, and supporting economic growth, the aluminium sector must address significant skills gaps to ensure its long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
The aluminium supply chain requires expertise in a diverse range of areas, including advanced manufacturing, sustainability, engineering, and leadership. Advanced manufacturing skills, particularly in automation, robotics, and digital technologies, are crucial for improving productivity and maintaining global competitiveness. Similarly, expertise in sustainability and recycling, such as circular economy practices and decarbonisation strategies, is becoming increasingly important. Engineering and maintenance capabilities are essential for optimising production facilities, while strong leadership and management skills are necessary to navigate technological advancements and evolving regulations effectively. These skills are in demand across the supply chain, with regional manufacturing hubs and SMEs facing the greatest challenges in accessing adequate training opportunities.
However, the skills shortages in the aluminium sector are evident in several areas. Younger generations entering the workforce have limited exposure to STEM education and apprenticeships, resulting in gaps by age group. Specialised training in advanced manufacturing and sustainability is underdeveloped, leaving the sector struggling to keep pace with technological and environmental demands. Regional disparities in training opportunities, particularly in devolved nations and industrial regions, exacerbate the issue. Furthermore, SMEs often face significant financial and administrative barriers that hinder their ability to fund and access relevant training programs.
Current efforts to address these challenges have yielded mixed results. Apprenticeship programs and sector-specific initiatives have successfully upskilled young talent and supported niche areas like recycling. However, challenges persist. The rigid rules of the Apprenticeship Levy limit its scope, leaving non-apprenticeship-based training unsupported. Additionally, many training programs lack alignment with rapidly evolving industry needs, such as digitalisation and decarbonisation.
Employers and education providers face significant hurdles in overcoming these barriers. Rising costs, administrative complexities, and limited funding options deter businesses—particularly SMEs—from investing in training. Simultaneously, education providers struggle with insufficient funding and infrastructure, which limits their ability to offer industry-relevant courses. For young learners, a lack of awareness about career opportunities in manufacturing and perceived barriers to entry for underrepresented groups hinder recruitment efforts, leaving the sector unable to attract diverse talent.
To address these issues, ALFED and Make UK propose a series of targeted policy measures. Expanding the Growth and Skills Levy to include funding for short courses, micro-credentials, and in-work training programs would upskill existing employees and support sustainability training aligned with the UK’s net-zero goals. Support for SMEs is also critical, including the introduction of direct funding grants and tax incentives, as well as the creation of regional training hubs to deliver accessible, industry-specific education. Inclusion initiatives should focus on mentoring programs, scholarships, and tailored training for underrepresented groups, while ensuring accessibility for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Furthermore, fostering partnerships between industry and education providers would ensure that training aligns with current and future demands, while national standards for qualifications would enhance recognition and transferability across sectors.
The UK aluminium manufacturing supply chain is poised for growth and innovation, but its success hinges on addressing these skills gaps. By adopting a collaborative and flexible approach to workforce development, the sector can unlock its full potential.
Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED, commented:
“The UK aluminium sector plays a pivotal role in our nation’s sustainability and economic ambitions, but its future relies on a skilled and adaptable workforce. At ALFED, we are committed to supporting our members in addressing these challenges by advocating for practical policy changes and fostering collaborations that will drive innovation and resilience across the industry. Together, we can ensure a future where the UK remains a global leader in aluminium manufacturing and transformation.”
ALFED and Make UK remain committed to advocating for these priorities, supporting policy reform, and ensuring the development of a sustainable, future-ready workforce for the UK aluminium industry.
To find out more about ALFED, or to become a member, please visit: www.alfed.org.uk
To find out more about Make UK, or to become a member, please visit: www.makeuk.org.
