National Apprenticeship Week provides an important reminder that the future of UK manufacturing depends on the skills we build today.
At MPM, we used this year’s Apprenticeship Week not only to showcase what we do in GRP/composites manufacturing, but to actively engage with students across the region who are exploring careers in engineering and production.
Engaging With the Next Generation
During the week, our team attended key careers events designed to bridge the gap between education and industry.
We visited Derwentside College, speaking directly with students about careers in composites and advanced manufacturing. We also attended the Leeds Apprenticeship Fair at the First Direct Arena, meeting thousands of young people considering their next steps.
These conversations focused on:
- Career pathways within composite manufacturing
- The blend of technical knowledge and hands-on skill required in GRP production
- How apprenticeships provide structured progression into skilled roles
For many students, GRP/composites and manufacturing as a whole are not widely understood as a career route, despite them nearly contributing 50% to our UK GDP and economy. By sharing real examples from our production environment, from mould preparation and gel application to laminating, trimming, and finishing, we were able to demonstrate the craftsmanship and precision behind what we do.
A Front-Runner in Industry Investment
We are proud to be a frontrunner in our sector when it comes to apprenticeship investment, with approximately 15% of our workforce currently on apprenticeships.
While many manufacturers continue to face challenges around succession planning and attracting younger people into the industry, this has not been a significant issue for MPM. Through consistent engagement with schools, colleges, and careers initiatives, we have built a strong pipeline of emerging talent.
This proactive approach helps pass knowledge from experienced team members to the next generation of composite specialists, keeping skills in areas like pattern making, mould development, and production strong.
Strengthening Specialist Manufacturing Capability
GRP/composites manufacturing remains a highly skilled discipline. While technology continues to evolve, the industry still depends on individuals who understand materials, curing behaviour, tolerances, and quality control.
Apprenticeships allow us to:
- Transfer practical expertise from senior team members
- Develop capability aligned to our production standards
- Build long-term operational resilience
In a bespoke manufacturing environment, repeatability and attention to detail directly influence customer outcomes. Investing in people is therefore inseparable from investing in quality.
Long-Term Investment, Not Short-Term Recruitment
For MPM, Apprenticeship Week is not simply about spreading awareness. It reflects a broader commitment to sustainable growth and strengthening UK manufacturing capability.
As we continue to support OEMs and manufacturers, taking the headache out of GRP/composites so they can focus on their core business, the depth and strength of our team remain central to the service we provide.
Developing the next generation of skilled composite professionals is not just an industry responsibility. It is a strategic priority.
National Apprenticeship Week gives us the platform to demonstrate that commitment in action.
