PEOPLE & SKILLS
Manufacturing is facing a skills shortage around the world, with millions of vacant roles expected by 2030. Rapid digitalisation, an aging workforce and a lack of young talent entering the industry are leaving structural gaps that are not easy to fill.
Women make up just 30 % of entry level employees in manufacturing, according to McKinsey’ s 2025 Women in the Workplace report. The percentage gets smaller at higher levels in the talent pipeline. Considering the global population is roughly 50 % women, bringing more into manufacturing could help to fill skills gaps.
Lisa Riley, Executive Director at The Manufacturing Institute, says:“ We’ re seeing a significant skills gap in the manufacturing sector, and this imbalance is reflected, albeit loosely, in our public programmes with delegate attendance often being 80 to 100 % male. Tackling this challenge requires a fresh approach to talent acquisition and women are vastly underrepresented.”
148 June 2026