Bridging the UK Engineering Skills Gap with Automated Engineering Solutions

Why the Skills Gap Matters

Engineering UK’s State of Engineering Survey reveals the industry needs 265,000 new skilled entrants each year to meet demand by 2024. Yet Britain produces only about 20,000 engineering graduates annually – a shortfall that threatens long‑term sustainability.

Perceptions vs. Reality

Graduate engineers earn well above the national average, and post‑graduate qualifications further boost pay. Importantly, the sector shows no gender pay gap, supported by initiatives that encourage women to pursue engineering. Despite these incentives, many young people still view engineering as a “dirty, repetitive” profession – a stereotype reinforced by limited exposure in schools.

In reality, engineering is dynamic and innovative. Automation is a key driver of this transformation.

Automation in Manufacturing

Robotics has already cut the need for manual pick‑and‑place, assembly and inspection tasks. For example, SCARA robots in electronics manufacturing complete assembly faster and with greater precision than humans, freeing staff to tackle higher‑value work.

Industrial Software: A Game Changer

COPA‑DATA’s zenon platform harnesses automated engineering to streamline project workflows. Wizards and smart tools automatically generate elements for large projects, eliminating repetitive coding and configuration. For machine builders, this means faster, more accurate delivery of custom solutions.

Modular Solutions for OEMs

Original Equipment Manufacturers face pressure to produce bespoke, low‑volume equipment. Automated engineering allows OEMs to assemble pre‑configured modules rather than building from scratch. Each module – representing a device, a piece of equipment, or an equipment group – connects via Ethernet, enabling flexible, rapid production. This approach reduces complexity, cuts engineering time, and lowers error rates.

Human Skills Remain Essential

While automation may reshape routine tasks, the Engineering UK study confirms that demand for highly skilled professionals will rise. Automation frees engineers to focus on problem‑solving, creativity and strategic decision‑making – skills no robot can replicate.

In short, the misconception that engineering is dull and repetitive is fading. By embracing automation, the industry can make roles more engaging while bridging the skills gap.

The author of this blog is Martyn Williams, managing director at COPA‑DATA UK.