East Yorkshire manufacturers are doubling down on digital skills as they race to keep pace with technological change.
New analysis from Made Smarter Yorkshire reveals one in four manufacturers taking part in its Leadership and Digital Champions courses have involved more than one person over time, with some engaging as many as four, to help accelerate digital transformation.
The figures from the Government-backed programme show manufacturers are spreading digital knowledge across their businesses, investing in different people year on year or combining courses to strengthen skills at different levels, from senior decision-makers shaping strategy to those turning plans into action.
The trend builds on five years of investment in digital skills through Made Smarter Yorkshire, with 147 people completing or undertaking training since 2021.
In East Yorkshire, nine manufacturers have involved multiple people in the courses: GMP Manufacturing, Scott Dixon, Kinetic Laboratories, Point Engineering, Teal & Mackrill and The Water Hydraulics Company in Hull, Hawk Furniture in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, Grotech Production in Goole and BW Industries in Carnaby, near Bridlington.
Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: “It’s encouraging to see manufacturers creating digital teams with the skills and confidence to drive change. Digital transformation is much more likely to succeed when knowledge and ownership are shared across the business, helping manufacturers bring people with them and turn digital ambitions into action.
“We’re keen to help more Yorkshire manufacturers recognise the opportunities digital technology can create and I’d encourage businesses to explore the support available through Made Smarter Yorkshire.”
The investment in digital skills comes as manufacturers grapple with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing and data-driven technologies.
Delivered by experts at Sheffield Hallam University, the fully funded Leadership and Digital Champions courses combine workshops, webinars and hands-on exposure to digital technology with a strong focus on the people side of transformation.
Participants learn how to identify where technology can add value, develop a strategy for adoption, engage colleagues and lead change. The courses aim to ensure investment in technology is matched by the leadership, skills and confidence needed to turn it into improvements in productivity and growth.
To learn more about fully funded places on future Made Smarter Yorkshire skills courses, visit madesmarter.uk/yorkshire-skills