JobsAndCareers_Winter2021/22 - 92

Factoring in
representation
Improving diversity in the manufacturing sector
In a 2019 survey by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA),
81.9% of manufacturing and engineering companies said they were
actively working to make their workforce more diverse compared with
the UK average of 71.6%. And while BAME representation on boards
is still lower at 5%, two-thirds of manufacturing businesses say they
have an equality, diversity and inclusion strategy or are planning one.
It's an issue that needs addressing. In the UK only 17% of manufacturing
executives are female, and analysis by Pinsent Masons reveals a gender
pay gap at large manufacturing companies of 13% in 2019, which is
actually a rise from 9% in 2018. Meanwhile, Nike Folyan, chairperson
of the Association for BME Engineers, told the Women & Diversity
in Manufacturing Summit in 2018 that while 25% of engineering
graduates are from an ethnic minority background, the figure for
the workforce is just 6%. Clearly that gap needs to be narrowed.
" There is no doubt that industry has, to date, not embraced the societal
changes that have taken place with a workforce that isn't as diverse
and balanced as it should be, " said Stephen Phipson, chief executive of
industry body Make UK. " This means that companies are not making
use of the wider talent pool available, despite clear evidence that
organisations with a greater balance are better performers... [Businesses]
must put people at the very top of their agenda and create a truly
diverse and inclusive workplace that is representative of society. "
" This robust sector makes products that are
in constant demand, from trains and military
vehicles to plastics and pharmaceuticals "
CNC MACHINIST
Computer numerical control (CNC)
forms the basis of modern mass
production. If a product is made using
a machine, that machine is steered by
CNC. Machinists work out the most
efficient way of carrying out tasks
(anything from drilling to painting),
choose the correct tools, and program,
test and maintain the machines.
What skills and qualifications do I
need? Attention to detail is perhaps the
most important attribute, but knowledge
of maths, science and computing are
useful. You can take college courses in
performing engineering operations or
mechanical engineering, which will
require GCSEs in English and maths.
How much can I earn? A starting salary
of up to £15,000, rising to £31,500.
QUALITY CONTROLLER
No manufacturing firm - from plastics
to pharmaceuticals - would succeed
92 /// JOBS & CAREERS /// jobsandcareersmag.com
if it couldn't guarantee the quality of
its products, so the quality control
department is vital in every company
in every sector of the industry.
Responsibilities can be anything from
analysing products and processes to
dealing with customer complaints
and feedback to staff training.
What skills and qualifications do
I need? Communication and people
skills are crucial - you may have
analytical knowhow but if you can't get
others to understand how to improve
or maintain quality, you won't be
effective. You can take a foundation
degree, diploma or degree that includes
quality control options, such as business
or production management, and
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