Curriculum reform is a key step forward, but stronger industry engagement is vital to close the skills gap, says Kristin Baker, Schneider Electric’s Vice President of Industrial & Process Automation UK & Ireland
The government’s decision to update the national curriculum for the first time in over a decade is a key step in the right direction when it comes to preparing the next generation for the realities of a more connected, automated, and sustainable future. A stronger focus on data, digital, and STEM skills will set the groundwork to increase the pipeline of students looking to go into IT and OT engineering careers, which will be vital to supporting the scalability of the IS8 fast-growth sectors identified in the industrial strategy.
UK manufacturing is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technologies such as AI, data analytics, and industrial and process automation. The need for a digitally fluent workforce has never been greater. And the pace of change in manufacturing sectors like aerospace, life sciences, food and beverage and chemical production will lead to an even greater demand for qualified digital and data engineers. The introduction of a broader computing GCSE, alongside a proposed qualification in data science and AI for 16–18-year-olds, will help build the foundations for the future engineers and technicians who will be essential to delivering the UK’s industrial strategy and boosting productivity across all sectors.
A large responsibility still lies at the feet of industry itself. It is down to businesses like ours to create pathways that inspire young people to pursue rewarding careers in science and engineering. This can be done through the increased access to enriching apprenticeship and graduate programmes that enable clear career-progression opportunities.
Alongside Schneider Electric’s apprenticeship scheme, which onboarded more than 50 applicants across the UK and Ireland this year, we are committed to providing additional education opportunities through Schneider Electric University, a free, self-paced learning tool that provides vendor-neutral training in energy, sustainability, and digital innovation. We also conduct STEM outreach partnerships with schools and organisations like the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.
Embedding data literacy, AI awareness, and critical thinking skills from an early age will not only help close the industrial skills gap but also empower the next generation to reimagine the future of UK manufacturing.
Media contact
Merryn Rodwell
Cadence Innovation Marketing
merryn@thecadenceteam.com
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalising industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centres, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory.
With 160,000 employees and one million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.
www.se.com