Engagement Team in Action: Helping the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) connect people to careers in engineering and manufacturing

Written by Tabby Hanlon-Scott (Sector Engagement Lead)

A few weeks ago, I was delighted to host a webinar with my colleague Jeff Baker as part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) National Manufacturing Day celebrations. Our aim was to help DWP advisers better understand engineering and manufacturing so they can confidently support people into careers in the sector.

The opportunity is huge. Engineering and manufacturing offer millions of jobs across the UK, but many employers still struggle to find the skills they need. DWP colleagues are in a unique position to help bridge that gap by opening people’s eyes to the opportunities available. 

What the session involved

During the session, we challenged some of the biggest myths about the sector. Manufacturing today is not all dirty, manual work, not every role requires a degree, and careers in the industry are open to people from all backgrounds. We showcased the wide range of roles available and highlighted how transferable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication and adaptability are highly valued by employers.

A key focus was industry readiness. It’s not about being fully trained from day one. It’s about helping people understand the sector, recognise the skills they already have and take the next step with confidence. We shared practical ways to support jobseekers and introduced our simple five-point framework: attitude, awareness, ability, adaptability and application.

We were also joined by Rachel Fehily from RHF Fans and Clayton Stott from Leeds City College, who brought valuable employer and training-provider perspectives. Their message was clear: employers are often looking for potential, not perfection. Many skills can be developed on the job if someone has the right attitude and willingness to learn. 

Why the sessions was important

The session matters because DWP colleagues speak to thousands of people who may never have considered a career in engineering or manufacturing. By helping them see where their skills fit, they can open doors to rewarding careers while supporting employers to build the workforce they need for the future.

Ultimately, industry readiness is about more than preparing someone for a job. It's about building confidence, broadening horizons and helping people see possibilities they may never have considered. Sometimes, one conversation is all it takes to change a career or a future. That's the power of industry readiness: turning potential into opportunity.