Wetherby manufacturers expand digital skills

Manufacturers across Harrogate and Wetherby are concentrating on digital skills as they race to keep pace with technological change.

New analysis from Made Smarter Yorkshire reveals one in four manufacturers taking part in its Leadership and Digital Champions courses have involved more than one person over time, with some engaging as many as four, to help accelerate digital transformation.

The figures from the Government-backed programme show manufacturers are spreading digital knowledge, investing in different people year on year or combining courses to strengthen skills at different levels, from senior decision-makers shaping strategy to those turning plans into action.

The trend builds on five years of investment in digital skills through Made Smarter Yorkshire, with 147 people completing or undertaking the fully funded training since 2021.

Among those benefiting from the programme is Wetherby-based EPH Creative, a manufacturer of event props and displays.

Daniel Stevens, Full Stack Developer and Systems Architect at EPH Creative, took part in Digital Manufacturing Champions.

He said: “The programme gave me the chance to get hands-on with technologies we wouldn’t necessarily have been able to explore ourselves, from additive manufacturing and 360-degree photography to robotics, and understand where they could potentially add value to the business.

“But one of the biggest things I took away was that digital transformation is as much about people and culture as it is technology.

“You need to understand how people respond to change and how you bring them with you.

“It was also really valuable to meet people from other manufacturers, share experiences and see how they’re approaching some of the same challenges.”

The investment in digital skills comes as manufacturers grapple with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing and data-driven technologies.

Delivered by experts at Sheffield Hallam University, the fully funded Leadership and Digital Champions courses combine workshops, webinars and hands-on exposure to digital technology with a strong focus on the people side of transformation.

Participants learn how to identify where technology can add value, develop a strategy for adoption, engage colleagues and lead change.

The courses aim to ensure investment in technology is matched by the leadership, skills and confidence needed to turn it into improvements in productivity and growth.

Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: “It’s encouraging to see manufacturers creating digital teams with the skills and confidence to drive change.

“Digital transformation is much more likely to succeed when knowledge and ownership are shared across the business, helping manufacturers bring people with them and turn digital ambitions into action.

“We're keen to help more Yorkshire manufacturers recognise the opportunities digital technology can create, and I'd encourage businesses to explore the support available through Made Smarter Yorkshire.”

To learn more about Made Smarter Yorkshire skills support and future courses, visit madesmarter.uk/yorkshire-skills/.