Transport Committee Urges Government to Boost Skills in Transport Manufacturing Sector

A new report from the Transport Committee calls on the Government to seize a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to strengthen the UK’s transport manufacturing sector by nurturing the skills needed for future growth.

The report focuses on the sector’s workforce needs and makes recommendations to attract new talent, retain existing employees, and particularly encourage more women into the industry. It highlights opportunities linked to the Government’s plans on bus and rail services and cleaner fuels, while addressing the challenges of transitioning to advanced, low-emission technologies.

The UK has a long-standing reputation for producing motor vehicles, buses, aeroplanes, trains, ships, and components, but manufacturers are facing widespread skills shortages across aerospace, automotive, maritime, and rail sectors. The report notes that the move toward net zero has fundamentally changed the skills required across the industry.

To tackle these issues, the Committee recommends that the Department for Transport (DfT) gather data from transport manufacturers to assess how well the UK’s vocational training system delivers a pipeline of skilled workers. Findings should then be shared across Government to support the development of vocational training pathways.

The report also suggests that Skills England explore the creation of a “competency passport”, enabling workers to transfer skills between different roles within the transport manufacturing sector.

While the Government has sought to prioritise younger people in skills funding, the Committee warns that removing support for Level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 and over risks limiting the supply of highly skilled, experienced workers. The report supports calls for funding to be restored for all ages in the eight growth sectors identified in the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

The report also highlights the Government’s apprenticeship levy system, noting that restrictions on how funding can be spent limit opportunities to grow skills. It recommends greater flexibility in levy spending and suggests that funding under the new Growth and Skills Levy could be tied to employers meeting diversity targets, ensuring women’s contributions are better recognised.

Transport Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury said:"The UK has a proud record of manufacturing vehicles, aircraft, trains, and ships, but the sector faces significant challenges. We need to ensure our workforce is equipped to thrive, particularly in growth areas such as electric vehicles and alternative fuels."

She added:"The DfT should assess whether the UK’s vocational training system meets the needs of young people, Skills England should explore a competency passport, and funding for Level 7 apprenticeships for those over 22 should be reinstated. We also recommend considering linking levy funding to employers’ delivery against diversity targets, so the talents of women in the sector are fully recognised."