Government criticised over lack of commitment in transport manufacturing skills response

The Government has been accused of failing to commit to meaningful action after publishing its response to the Transport Committee’s report on skills shortages in the transport manufacturing sector.

While ministers acknowledged the “significant challenges” facing the industry, the response stopped short of introducing any major sector-specific measures, prompting criticism that the Government is relying too heavily on existing policies rather than delivering targeted support.

Several of the committee’s recommendations were only partially accepted, including proposals for Skills England to explore a “competency passport” system designed to help workers transfer skills more easily between jobs and industries. However, no firm timetable or clear commitment to consult directly with the transport manufacturing sector was included.

Key recommendations backed strongly by industry leaders were rejected entirely.

These included calls to ease restrictions on apprenticeship levy spending and reinstate Level 7 apprenticeship funding for all age groups—measures many employers say are critical to developing higher-level engineering and technical skills needed for the future workforce.

The Government also declined to commit to specific action on improving workforce diversity in transport manufacturing. Instead, ministers pointed towards the existing Make UK Equality Taskforce without setting out any deadlines or additional obligations for employers.

Transport Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury said the response lacked the focus and urgency needed to address growing workforce pressures across the sector.

She warned that although the Government had recognised the existence of skills shortages, it had largely responded by referencing existing programmes that may only partially meet the industry’s needs.

Cadbury also described it as “particularly disappointing” that ministers rejected stronger measures aimed at improving diversity and representation within transport manufacturing.

The committee has repeatedly argued that more urgent intervention is needed if the UK is to fully capitalise on emerging opportunities linked to electric vehicles, alternative fuels and transport decarbonisation.

Concerns remain that without clearer commitments on training, workforce development and recruitment, the sector could struggle to deliver the skills pipeline needed to support future infrastructure and manufacturing ambitions.

The criticism comes as the Government continues to promote major transport reforms and investment programmes across rail, buses and low-carbon transport, all of which are expected to increase demand for highly skilled workers.

Cadbury said the committee would continue scrutinising progress closely, warning that failure to address long-term workforce challenges could undermine growth and investment opportunities in regions where transport manufacturing remains a major employer.