Insights Beyond the Skills Gap
This report takes a closer look at the current workforce challenges facing the manufacturing sector, focusing on how industry needs are evolving. It draws on the results of CECIMO’s November 2024 survey, which gathered insights from a wide range of companies, 23% large, 29% medium, 46% small, and 3% micro. By comparing the industry’s skill priorities from 2023 to 2024, the report highlights key areas that need urgent attention. One of the changes observed this year was mix of respondents to the survey. Responses from large companies dropped by around 20%, while engagement from mid-sized companies increased by around 30%. This shift provides a fresh perspective on workforce trends, particularly when it comes to mid-sized manufacturers.
The report builds on last year’s CECIMO’s publication, “From Survey to Strategy: Understanding the Skills Trends in Advanced Manufacturing,” while also updating the existing Skills Dashboard. This database remains a key resource for industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and policymakers. As the demand for skills continues to evolve, this database provides an essential snapshot of where gaps are emerging and where action is needed.
While automation and AI bring new opportunities to tackle labour shortages, they also create an urgent need for specialist skills. The report examines which technical skills and job roles are most in demand, highlighting the ongoing struggle to recruit and retain skilled workers in advanced manufacturing. It also explores the root causes of the recruitment and retention challenges.
The need for automation specialists, AI engineers, and robotics experts continues to grow. At the same time, sustainability regulations are starting to influence workforce priorities, albeit more gradually. The third chapter takes a closer look at emerging digital-green skills, how they have evolved since 2023, and what is at stake as digital technologies, such as AI and automation, become more widespread.
With education and training systems struggling to keep up with these rapid changes, the report also reflects on how the industry is responding. Key recommendations include increasing collaboration between businesses and education providers, improving labour mobility across Europe, modernising training frameworks, and implementing better workforce retention strategies in place.