PEOPLE & SKILLS
“ We’ re seeing a significant skills gap in the manufacturing sector”
Lisa Riley Executive Director The Manufacturing Institute
While girls perform exceptionally well in science and math, societal expectations and a lack of encouragement often steer them away from core STEM subjects at higher education levels. Modern manufacturing relies heavily on mechanical, electrical and process engineering, and the smaller pool of women graduates in these fields can translate to less women entering the industry.
When women do enter manufacturing, they can be steered toward support roles like HR, administration or marketing. Because core production and operations roles are the typical stepping stones to executive leadership in manufacturing, women can miss out on promotions.
With fewer women holding titles like Plant Manager or Chief Operating Officer, young women entering the field lack visible role models and mentors to sponsor their career growth.
Bridging the gender gap The industry cannot afford to leave half the talent pool behind. To overcome these barriers and help solve the growing skills crisis, the manufacturing
150 June 2026