Workforce and skills
A talented and skilled workforce is essential to unlock the growth potential of the technologies needed for manufacturing and industrial strategy success in the UK. At the forefront of manufacturing and engineering technology development, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult has deep insights into the impacts of emerging technology on the jobs, occupations and roles of today and in the future.
We are working in partnership with industry, governments and with educators to turn the extraordinary into the everyday – building the technology knowledge and skills of the workforce, from the board room to the shop floor. This includes workforce foresighting, to help the UK anticipate and prepare for the future skills required for industrial transformation and ensure the manufacturing sector thrives in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Our six innovation centres, located nationwide, bring together the expertise, knowledge and experience of thousands of scientists, engineers and technologists. They help shape a comprehensive portfolio of training and education programmes focused on HVM Catapult’s wide range of industrial and technology specialisms.
Designed to meet business need, these programmes are enhanced by access to state-of-the-art industrial facilities where learners can engage with cutting-edge tools, techniques and processes.
Find out more about our work in these priority areas.
Making support accessible
We understand cost can be a barrier. That’s why we offer initiatives like match funding (e.g. NCC’s “Edge” programme) and subsidised support (e.g. MTC’s Reach Programme). We also work with partners such as LEPs, growth hubs, Innovate UK, and Make UK to ensure SMEs can access the right support and funding.
Our centres and satellite locations act as a ‘front door’ to the full HVM Catapult network, helping SMEs navigate their journey from first engagement to full-scale transformation. Where needs fall outside our scope, we’ll connect businesses to other trusted support providers.
With over 5,000 SME engagements annually, HVM Catapult is the UK’s leading accelerator for manufacturing SMEs—driving innovation, sustainability, productivity and growth.
Training programmes
AMRC training centre
The AMRC Training Centre delivers foundation, advanced and degree-level apprenticeships to develop important skills for new technicians and engineers. The team also offers CPD courses for those currently in the workforce, including topics such as electrical engineering and robotics, machining, and metals and materials.
CPI’s RNA training academy
Unlock your power with our industry-leading RNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) training courses, brought to you by our RNA Training Academy.
MTC apprenticeships
Based in the Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC), the MTC offers both level 3 and level 4 apprenticeships, building the skills of the next generation of engineering technicians. The team will work with you to bring a new perspective to your business by supporting an apprentice.
NCC skills & training
NCC Skills & Training team reskill and upskill teams and individuals across every sector where composites are used. They offer a range of open and online courses, alongside bespoke training programmes for your manufacturing company.
NMIS manufacturing dkills academy
The NMIS Skills Academy offers CPD courses, foundation apprenticeships and graduate training in digital manufacturing. Key topics include cybersecurity, supply chain development, operational excellence, artificial intelligence, visualisation and strategy development.
WMG skills centre
The WMG Skills Centre delivers short courses for upskilling your workforce. These include engineering, technology, supply chain, automotive electrification, automotive battery engineering, automotive power electronics and motor drives, digital manufacturing and digital healthcare.