Inquiry into transport manufacturing workforce launched

A new inquiry into how the Government can support transport manufacturing in the UK by planning and investing in the skills of its workers, has been launched by the Transport Committee.

The inquiry will examine the the manufacturing sectors for motor vehicles, buses, ships, aeroplanes and trains, and the skills that these sectors need for physical construction as well as for roles associated with research, technology and design, fitting out and the wider supply chain.  

The inquiry will look at how the skills needs of these sectors have changed, and will continue to change as the economy responds to challenges around reducing carbon emissions and opportunities presented by new technologies. There will also be a focus on educational routes into the sector through apprenticeships, university or vocational qualifications. 

It comes after the aerospace and automotive sectors were picked out for particular attention in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan section of the Government’s recently published Modern Industrial Strategy, and a government announcement that it will invest in developing and manufacturing zero-emission automotives. 

The cross-party Committee will also look at how the Government and regional authorities, as well as the agency Skills England, could have the most impact in this field which straddles several different departmental remits. 

The manufacture of transport vehicles and equipment amounted to £35.3 billion of gross value added in 2024 and world-leading innovation continues to take place in the UK. 

Transport Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury MP said: “The UK has a proud tradition of manufacturing motor vehicles, buses, aeroplanes, trains and ships. Although much has changed, these are sectors with ecosystems of businesses and supply chains that contribute significantly to the economy, and which many communities are fundamentally rooted in. 

“With challenges posed by competition from abroad, technological changes and the need to reduce emissions, the Transport Committee’s new inquiry will look at the transport manufacturing workforce, how new talent can be brought in, and how today’s workers can be upskilled.  

“Fixing these problems could make the UK more attractive to inward investment from transport companies in other countries who want to import UK-made vehicles, or who’d want to set up their factories here. Having a thriving, skilled workforce could also reduce the risk of companies upping sticks to other countries, leaving communities behind. 

“We want to scrutinise how effectively government departments work together to resolve these issues, and how the Government can achieve the aims of its new industrial strategy.”