Developing high performing manufacturing teams

Develop your manufacturing workforce through immersive, experiential learning that drives performance, teamwork and operational excellence.

The manufacturing industry is under pressure to:
Build stronger early-career talent pipelines to secure future skills
Upskill and future-proof existing leaders to respond to digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies
Close critical capability gaps in automation, quality assurance and process optimisation
Strengthen cross-functional collaboration between operations, engineering and supply chain
Develop agile, learning-oriented cultures that enable continuous improvement and innovation
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Why outdoor development training matters for the Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing environments are fast-paced, complex and highly interdependent — just like experiential training. Hands-on, real-world learning replicates production pressures and team-based problem solving far more effectively than classroom-only approaches.

70%

of learning happens on the job, through real-world experience, problem-solving and peer collaboration

75%

higher skill retention is achieved through experiential learning compared to classroom-only methods

86%

of employees say hands-on training improves their ability to perform effectively in their role

92%

of organisations with strong learning cultures are more likely to innovate, a key driver in modern manufacturing

21%

higher productivity is seen in organisations with engaged employees, directly impacting operational output

24%

higher profit margins can be achieved by organisations that invest in workforce development

Explore our development programmes – each one tailored to your business needs.

Early Careers Training
With our Corporate Training we can provide Early Careers training and support which can help new employees kick-start their career. Learn more online today
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Leadership Training
Are you looking to develop your future management team? We will design a programme for you that markedly improves performance.
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Corporate Team Building
Are you looking to bring together your team to improve relationships and communication before your next big project? We will design a programme for you that markedly improves performance.
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Apprenticeships: Strengthening manufacturing performance

Apprenticeships play a vital role in building resilient, future-ready manufacturing organisations by developing the people who lead teams, coordinate operations and keep businesses running efficiently. Through structured, work-based learning, they help organisations create:

Stronger operational leadership

Develop team leaders and supervisors who can manage performance, improve communication and drive productivity across shifts and departments.

Improved business efficiency

Business and administration apprentices strengthen internal processes, supporting smoother workflows, better coordination and stronger compliance.

Future ready management

Programmes build the strategic thinking, decision-making and change management skills needed to respond to digital transformation and evolving market demands.

Greater workforce stability

Investing in structured development increases engagement, loyalty and long-term retention across both operational and office-based teams.

Clear progression pathways

Apprenticeships create defined development routes from frontline supervisor to senior leadership, supporting succession planning.

Stronger collaboration

Developing leadership and administrative capability improves communication between production, supply chain, finance and HR — reducing silos and improving performance.

Why Skern Training & Skills?

  • 30+ years working with UK industries — including manufacturing and engineering sectors. We understand the operational pressures, regulatory demands and performance expectations facing modern manufacturing businesses.
  • Trusted by manufacturers large and small. From SMEs to national organisations, we partner with businesses across the sector to develop people at every level of the workforce.
  • Experiential, not just classroom-based learning — focused on real application and behaviour change. Our immersive approach ensures skills are not only learned but embedded, enabling participants to apply them confidently in fast-paced working environments.
  • Bespoke, business-aligned design — solutions built around your exact challenges, culture and goals. Every programme is tailored to reflect your operational priorities, leadership needs and long-term strategic objectives.
  • Proven impact on capability, collaboration and performance. Our programmes strengthen communication, accountability and decision-making — driving measurable improvements across teams and departments.
“Leading climbing allowed me to experience leading a team with techniques I can transfer to work.”
— Make UK course participant

Don’t just take our word for it....

Course participant feedback from the automotive industry

Find out how we can support your business

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