Cornwall Manufacturers Group: Building skills for the future

This Cornwall Manufacturers Group case study is part of a mini series brought to you by The Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs: Powered by Enginuity.

In 2022, the Cornwall Manufacturers Group (CMG) set up the UK’s first manufacturing academy in collaboration with the Cornwall College Group. Dedicated to addressing skills shortages in manufacturing, the academy has developed a unique model to help pupils from local schools develop their skills in manufacturing and engineering, through which they can gain a Level 2 Diploma. The programme has proved itself to be a robust framework for developing the next generation of skilled workers in Cornwall; in the last three years, the rate of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Cornwall has reduced from 7% to 5%. The academy reveals a scalable model that could be adapted and replicated across other sectors and regions in the UK.

What is the Cornwall Manufacturers Group?

The Cornwall Manufacturers Group (CMG) is a non-profit, membership-led organisation that represents and supports manufacturing businesses across Cornwall. Set up to address the growing need for skilled workers in Cornwall’s manufacturing sector, it brings together a network of local manufacturers to act as a collective voice for the sector, engaging with government, policymakers and industry bodies to influence regional and national decisions.

Alongside advocacy, CMG focuses on skills development, training and education partnerships, working with colleges and other stakeholders to address workforce needs and promote careers in manufacturing. The Group facilitates collaboration, knowledge-sharing and supply chain development among members, helping to strengthen productivity, innovation and the overall contribution of manufacturing to Cornwall’s economy.

The success of the Cornwall Manufacturers Group Academy

Why was it set up?

The CMG Academy Programme was developed in partnership with Cornwall College and local schools to address growing skills shortages in the region’s manufacturing sector, particularly in light of the decline in practical, hands-on learning within the school curriculum. Working closely with the college and local schools, CMG co-designed a curriculum that equips young people with the practical and technical skills required by local industry, supporting a stronger pipeline of job-ready talent into manufacturing.

How does it work?

Recruitment for the academy begins in Year 10, with local schools ensuring students are aware of the opportunities available to them in the manufacturing sector. Through close collaboration with schools, the academy has established a sustainable talent pipeline that offers students an accelerated pathway into engineering and manufacturing careers.

A core feature of the academy is its strong alignment with the needs of local manufacturers. Members of CMG, representing a diverse range of manufacturing businesses, worked closely with Cornwall College to shape the curriculum by identifying the technical competencies, soft skills and industry knowledge most in demand. Industry insights were directly embedded into both classroom teaching and practical training, with modules focused on the latest technologies and trends. This enables students to apply their learning immediately in real-world contexts, developing skills that are directly transferable to local employment opportunities.

A key strength of the partnership is the integration of meaningful workplace experiences into the curriculum. Local manufacturers provide placement and visit opportunities that give students direct insight into the day-to-day operations of manufacturing businesses in Cornwall. These experiences not only build practical skills but also help students develop valuable industry networks, strengthening their prospects for future employment.

Crucially, the programme is also aligned with Cornwall College’s academic performance requirements. The qualification is structured to meet both industry standards and the criteria for performance points within the school system, ensuring it carries recognised academic value. This dual alignment incentivises schools to promote the programme and supports strong student engagement, as learners can progress towards both career and academic goals simultaneously.

CMG and Cornwall College have crafted a collaborative approach that addresses local skills needs, enhances student employability and supports long-term economic growth.

Early successes

The CMG Academy has quickly established itself as an effective model for developing future talent in manufacturing. Within its first year, the academy received both regional and national recognition from Make UK. Performance data highlights positive outcomes, with high achievement rates and strong progression routes for students. Notably, the first cohort achieved a 100% achievement rate, with 40% securing apprenticeships with local manufacturers, while others progressed into further academic study in engineering and related fields.

This is already having a real impact on NEET levels, which have been on the decline in the last three years. The 16–18 NEET rate in Cornwall sits at 5%, down from 7% three years ago. Meanwhile, the rate of young people’s apprenticeship starts in the UK has fallen by almost 40% over the last decade. These early successes demonstrate the programme’s effectiveness in equipping students with relevant skills and supporting smooth transitions into employment or higher education.

Wider impact of the academy

The CMG Academy has had a significant impact both locally and nationally, playing a key role in addressing skills gaps and strengthening the region’s manufacturing sector. Through close collaboration with schools, Cornwall College and employers, CMG has created an industry-aligned pathway that has increased the uptake of manufacturing education, particularly in schools that previously lacked the resources to deliver practical technical training.

The establishment of a professional, branded academy model has also fostered a strong sense of pride and aspiration among students. Expansion to two campuses across Cornwall has widened access, reducing geographic barriers and enabling more young people to participate in training.

At the same time, strong employer partnerships have ensured that the curriculum remains closely aligned to industry needs, leading to positive outcomes including progression into apprenticeships and employment with local manufacturers. The academy’s success has gained national recognition and is now seen as a leading example of how place-based collaboration between education and industry can deliver sustainable workforce solutions, support economic growth and create a long-term pipeline of skilled talent.

Policy takeaways

This model is effective because it incentivises all parties:

• Employers get skilled recruits.
• Schools get recognised qualifications and performance points.
• Students get clear progression into apprenticeships, employment or higher education.

The overall result is a stronger manufacturing sector and improved employment opportunities for young people.

Employer input into curriculum content

The academy’s success is driven by direct employer input into curriculum content.

Government should embed employer-led curriculum design within technical education, enabling groups of employers to work with colleges to shape programmes around current and future local skills needs.

Strong local collaboration

Strong local collaboration between CMG, schools and Cornwall College underpins the success of this academy.

Government should expand support for locally led sector-based partnerships to address regional skills needs with tailored solutions, bringing together employers, further and higher education providers and local authority representatives.

Clear progression pathways

Clear progression pathways to apprenticeships and further study make the model attractive and credible. Government should ensure all technical programmes are mapped to clearly defined progression routes: apprenticeships, higher education and employment. This will help employers understand their value and purpose.

Government should ensure that employer-designed technical programmes are used to incentivise and promote high-quality technical pathways in schools alongside academic pathways.

Earlier employer engagement

Earlier employer engagement in secondary education can help young people understand technical careers and pathways before they make post-16 choices.

Government should work with industry to identify and scale successful employer-led academy models, providing funding and practical support to replicate proven approaches across sectors and regions facing similar skills shortages, while supporting wider participation and reducing the risk of young people becoming NEET.

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