Manufacturing : Overview

Manufacturing is the process of adding value to raw materials by turning them into products. Recently, some industries within UK manufacturing have been characterised by declining employment and productivity. A major challenge has also come from emerging economies, such as China and India, which are able to produce goods more cheaply. The global economic slowdown and rising energy and materials costs have also affected manufacturers.

However, UK manufacturing is in a strong position to respond to new challenges and future opportunities by exploiting its established strengths in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and electronics, in addition to recognising the need to diversify and to embrace new and evolving markets. To do this successfully, manufacturing industries need to employ qualified and multi-skilled graduates.

What kind of work can I do?

Opportunities for graduates are available in:

• research and development - scientists, engineers, technologists, market researchers, analysts;
• design - design engineers;
• production - plant and production managers, manufacturing engineers, quality assurance professionals, process engineers;
• distribution and logistics management.

What’s it like working in this industry?

• Over the past decade, British manufacturing has become increasingly hi-tech, resulting in more standardised working hours and better conditions of service for employees.
• There are many opportunities in engineering, but this profession is still heavily male-dominated. Opportunities in business and sales are more evenly balanced between the sexes.
• Graduate starting salaries range from £15,000 to £25,000, and from £26,250 to £40,000 after training.
• Working environments vary considerably from offices to noisy factories and industrial plants, depending on the role.
• Modern manufacturing is mainly high tech and, with a few exceptions, very clean.
• For information on working in this industry, see the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, SEMTA - Careers & Qualifications Centre .

How big is this industry?

Manufacturing is an important part of the UK economy. It accounts for 12.8% of UK gross domestic product (GDP) and 55% of total exports. The manufacturing sector expanded again in the first quarter of 2011, its sixth consecutive quarter of growth. However, the manufacturing workforce has fallen sharply over the past 30 years, from 5.8 million in March 1981 to 2.5 million in March 2011, which is around 8% of the UK workforce (UK Parliament, 2011). No single industry dominates UK manufacturing output, as it encompasses a wide range of industries.

• Aerospace - manufacture, maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft and spacecraft.
• Automotive - manufacture of bodies (coachwork) and accessories for motor vehicles, engines, components and trailers.
• Biotechnology - concerned with the application of knowledge about living organisms and their components to industrial products and processes.
• Chemicals - manufacture of pharmaceuticals, paints, toiletries, varnishes, plastics, synthetic rubber and industrial gases.
• Clothing and footwear - production of materials such as leather and textiles; product design; manufacture of clothes and footwear.
• Electrical equipment - manufacture of a wide range of products for everyday use, including office machinery, computer equipment, TV and radio receivers, control apparatus and electricity distribution.
• Electronics - creation, design, production and sale of electronic systems, components and equipment.
• Food and drink - manufacture of all beverages and food including bakery, meat and poultry.
• Marine - production, maintenance and repair of ships, submarines, boats and marine equipment.
• Metals and engineered metal products - production, processing and distribution of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including the recycling of the materials at the end of their useful life.
• Pharmaceuticals - development and production of products for the prevention and treatment of illness and disease.
• Polymers - four discrete process areas: plastics processing; rubber processing; polymer composite processing; and sign making.
• Process manufacturing - production of building products, coatings, extractives, glass, printing and paper and furniture.

Where can I work?

Employment in the sector varies by region. It is highest in the East Midlands, where it accounts for about one job in eight. By contrast, less than 3% of jobs in London are in manufacturing. The year from March 2010 to March 2011 saw different trends in employment across the regions. The manufacturing workforce in Wales grew by 8% and in the South East by 7%. London and Scotland, however, saw falls of more than 10% over the same period. (UK Parliament, 2011)

Although opportunities are available throughout the UK, some industries tend to be concentrated in one or more regions. For example, aerospace has a heavier presence around the Bristol area, motor vehicle manufacture takes place largely in the Midlands, and oil and gas-related industries are concentrated in Aberdeen and the surrounding area.

For information on working overseas, see opportunities abroad.