WMG welcomes new plans to secure the future of manufacturing skills

Wednesday 28 January 2026

WMG welcomes new plans to secure the future of manufacturing skills

Expert comment from Dr Benjamin SilverstoneLink opens in a new window, Head of Skills Policy and Strategy at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick.

Dr Silverstone said: “We welcome the publication of the UK Transport Committee’s ‘Engine for Growth: Securing Skills for Transport Manufacturing’ reportLink opens in a new window. It represents a strong indication from elected officials that they recognise the challenges faced by the transport sector in recruiting, training and retaining talent — and that they see how adjustments to existing skills systems can help industry to achieve its aims.

“It is also good to see the contributions that WMG made, both in written and oral evidence, so robustly reflected in the overall recommendations of the report. 

“The calls for greater flexibility in how levy funding can be used — including support for short courses beyond apprenticeship units — along with the reinstatement of funding for Level 7 apprenticeships, remain key recommendations that we continue to champion as strongly as possible.

“We are passionate about the use of competency passports to showcase transferable skills and to help the workforce move more easily across traditional sector boundaries, bringing much-needed expertise and experience into the transport sector.

“What now remains to be seen is whether the Government will adopt these recommendations — not only to support the transport sector, but also the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Many of the proposals in this report echo those made by other select committees, underlining the urgent need for meaningful change.”

Read and download the Engine for Growth: Securing Skills for Transport Manufacturing reportLink opens in a new window.

Find out more about training and skills at WMG: Training and Skills | WMG | University of Warwick