Sally Cleary of Randstad explains their involvement with EEF's Future Manufacturing Awards – and why it’s important to celebrate manufacturing’s upcoming stars 

Manufacturing contributes a massive £6.7 trillion to the global economy, with the UK being listed as the world’s eighth largest industrial nation. It’s only right that we take time to recognise and celebrate the successes of those that work hard to support the industry.

At Randstad, supporting the UK manufacturing industry and cultivating a sustainable and successful future comes as second nature to us. Many of the temporary workers that have come through our agency now enjoy permanent roles within the sector and we are proud to have supported our clients to fill these roles.

While celebrating the successes of manufacturing we also need to address the skills shortage which is currently impacting the sector. According to graduate careers website Prospects, 80 percent of manufacturing companies are struggling to recruit for roles which desperately need filling. This highlights the need for manufacturing companies to continue to invest in existing workforces, build skills and nurture new talent.

This is the first time Randstad have been a partner of the EEF Manufacturing Awards and it’s been amazing to be part of the judging process. Coinciding with the tenth anniversary, there really is no better time to support the UK’s manufacturing industry and help develop talent for the next decade.

The Developing Future Talent award provides a platform for us to acknowledge the shining stars that go the extra mile to develop the next manufacturing generation, and raise awareness that there is a skills shortage.

It recognises the importance of nurturing those at a grass roots level, promoting manufacturing within the community and helping employees to progress within their careers - exactly what is required to move forward and attract more skilled talent to the manufacturing industry.

As the world’s number one recruitment company it’s very important to Randstad that we are involved in recognising future talent. Our knowledge comes from working with some of the biggest names in manufacturing and hands-on experience.

This means that we’re best suited to spot the industry’s best talent and inspire up-and-coming stars, something I’m pleased to see happening through these awards. It’s the people, the innovations and the hard work that goes into making some of the world’s finest products that I admire the most.

Being one of the judges has been truly inspirational and highlighting the hardworking individuals who have built skills and developed employees’ talent, whilst at the same time promoting the importance of manufacturing within our community.

It was great to see evidence of training and development opportunities, local workplace initiatives and implementation of new training programmes, all working towards future proofing talent in the industry.

At the start of 2019 it’s was good to learn that UK manufacturing activity hit a six-month high in December. Whether that was down to preparation to protect supply chains amid fears of a no-deal Brexit or not, it is still a positive movement for the industry. With Brexit causing many uncertainties, we trust that manufacturing continues to move forward in the right direction and we see more of the shining stars recognised at the EEF Awards make their mark on the future generation.

• Sally Cleary is Managing Director of Randstad In-house Services
• Find out about Randstad on their partner page