The CNC Machining Skills Crisis is Back

Kirsty Whitty, EMBS’s Talent Delivery Manager firmly believes the CNC machining skills crisis is back. However with every crisis, comes opportunity. In this case – jobs.

Right now, we have a staggering 39 CNC Turner positions openly advertised, yet we’re only seeing a trickle of five new CVs entering the market. This is putting a serious squeeze on production capacity and growth potential for many of our fantastic machine shops.

The Midlands is, and always has been, a manufacturing powerhouse. It’s a critical region for the entire UK economy. As specialists in engineering recruitment, with CNC skills consistently at the top of our most-in-demand list, we see the struggles daily.

Why Are We Facing This Shortage?

It’s a perfect storm of interconnected factors.

• An aging workforce. Many of our highly experienced machinists are nearing retirement, taking decades of invaluable knowledge with them.
• Declining apprenticeship starts. There’s been a concerning 25% drop in engineering apprenticeship starts since 2017/18. This significantly reduces the pipeline of new, skilled talent.
• Image perceptions. Manufacturing sometimes struggles with a “traditional” image that doesn’t always appeal to new generations. There’s a vital need to showcase the cutting-edge, high-tech reality of modern CNC work.
• Education-industry mismatch. The skills taught aren’t always perfectly aligned with the immediate and evolving needs of today’s advanced workshops.

The Impact on Businesses

The consequences of this skills gap are clear and concerning. Unfilled roles lead directly to bottlenecks and reduced output, impacting delivery times and client satisfaction. In addition, existing staff are stretched thin, taking on more work, which can lead to fatigue, burnout and a higher potential for errors. It’s also slowing down the adoption of crucial Industry 4.0 technologies, as businesses simply don’t have the skilled personnel to implement and manage these advancements.

Opportunities Abound for Skilled CNC Professionals

While this is a challenge for businesses, it presents a significant opportunity for skilled CNC machinists (and those looking to train) in the East Midlands. If you possess these in-demand skills, or are looking to develop them, the market is very much in your favour. Companies are actively seeking talent, often offering competitive packages and excellent long-term career prospects.

Find Out More

Want to know more about how EMBS Engineering can help you navigate this challenging market, whether you’re a business looking for talent or a CNC professional seeking your next opportunity? Get in touch today. We know it isn’t easy, but we can help alleviate the pressure, source the best talent, and find the talent for you before the competition finds them first.

Kirsty Whitty is an expert in engineering recruitment within the East Midlands, specialising in CNC machining, inspection, welding and fabrication roles.