Enginuity and the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to connect CBM’s 200-member metalforming network to support manufacturing skills, workforce development, employer engagement and apprenticeship standards for UK manufacturing SMEs.
The agreement links Enginuity’s work on industrial skills with CBM members that operate in metalforming supply chains. The organizations will use the MoU to identify sector needs, share industry intelligence and support training aligned with employer requirements in engineering and manufacturing.
Nicola Dolan, associate director at Enginuity, said: “This collaborative approach represents an important step in bringing together two organizations with a shared ambition to strengthen UK manufacturing.”
“By working closely with CBM and its members, we can better understand the real challenges facing employers and develop practical solutions that help businesses attract, develop and retain the skilled workforce they need for the future.”
She continued: “Together we can also help ensure that skills provision evolves in line with the rapidly changing needs of manufacturing firms.”
The MoU will focus on employer engagement, skills development and input into skills policy. It also gives the organizations a framework to collaborate on training provision for current and future manufacturing workforce needs.
Geraldine Bolton, CEO of CBM, welcomed the partnership: “We are delighted to formalize our relationship with Enginuity through this Memorandum of Understanding.
“CBM members consistently tell us that skills and workforce development remain among their biggest priorities. This partnership builds on the work we already do in bringing industry together to form Trailblazer groups, supporting employers to develop apprenticeship standards and actively contributing to a wide range of skills policy groups.”
“By combining our industry knowledge with Enginuity’s expertise, we can ensure the voice of manufacturing SMEs is heard loud and clear, improving the provision of training and helping ensure skills and apprenticeship standards remain fit for the needs of our sector.”
Ann Watson MBE, CEO of Enginuity, added her support: “Manufacturing is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by new technologies, sustainability and changing workforce expectations.”
“Collaboration across the sector has never been more important. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our commitment to working alongside industry partners like CBM to ensure manufacturers have access to the skills, talent and insight they need to succeed.”
Steve Morley, President of CBM, concluded: “The strength of British manufacturing depends on having the right people with the right skills at every stage of the supply chain. This partnership is about taking practical action to support employers, encourage the next generation into manufacturing careers and ensure our sector remains globally competitive.”
“We look forward to working closely with Enginuity to deliver lasting value for our members and the wider industry.”
Source: Enginuity
About Enginuity
Enginuity is a UK charity that supports skills development in engineering and manufacturing. It is based in Poole, United Kingdom. The organization traces its origins to the Engineering Industry Training Board in 1964 and adopted the Enginuity name in 2020. It works with employers, policymakers, education providers, sector bodies and small and midsize manufacturers. Enginuity provides sector data, skills insight, policy input, employer tools, apprenticeship support, SME leadership courses and technical education resources. Its tools include Role Explorer, Skills Comparator and Career Pathways. The group includes EAL, an awarding and assessment organization for skills and qualifications. Enginuity serves engineering and manufacturing employers, supply chain companies and workforce planning groups across the UK.
About Confederation of British Metalforming
The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) is a UK trade association founded in 1998 and based at the National Metalforming Centre in West Bromwich, West Midlands. It represents manufacturers of fasteners, forgings, pressings, cold-rolled products and sheet-metal products. Its members supply components and structures to OEMs in aerospace, automotive, construction, defense, engineering, nuclear, offshore and consumer goods markets. CBM provides lobbying, member promotion, business opportunity support and technical knowledge through events, partnerships and specialist advisers in metals, forgings and fasteners. The association represents more than 200 members across the UK. It also connects members with research organizations, including the Advanced Forming Research Centre. CBM says member companies save about £4 million each year through Climate Change Levy administration handled on their behalf.