Lloyds and Coventry’s
Manufacturing Technology Centre have marked a major milestone in their £15 million strategic partnership established to support the development of skills, and innovation in the UK’s manufacturing sector. The collaboration, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, has now trained over 5,000 apprentices, graduates and engineers through MTC’s training centres in Coventry, Oxfordshire and Liverpool with the support of Lloyds sponsorship. It is set to surpass its target of training 6,000 of such learners within its current funding cycle, which runs until the end of 2029.
Charlie Nunn, CEO of Lloyds Banking Group, met with apprentices at the MTC to personally mark the achievement and hear first-hand about their experiences and aspirations. His visit underscored the Group’s commitment to investing in skills and supporting the next generation of UK manufacturing talent. Lloyds’ sponsorship has so far helped develop the MTC’s apprentice support service programme, which provides a dedicated service to help SME manufacturers to recruit apprentices and access salary support funding via the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy.
The partnership also aims to help address the skills gap in the manuf acturing sector, providing a unique platform to connect manufacturers with high-quality training in areas such as electrification, digitalisation, and clean energy systems. Research from Make UK estimates that addressing the 55,000 industry roles that are currently unfilled could contribute up to an additional £6 billion a year to the UK economy.
To date, more than 700 SME manufacturers have been referred to the partnership, with more than 115 going on to work with the MTC on specific projects for their business, generating over £8 million of additional benefit, through improvements and upgrades for equipment, automation, and sustainability led projects.
Dave Atkinson, UK head of manufacturing at Lloyds Bank, said: “Our long-standing partnership with th MTC reflects Lloyds’ commitment to supporting the future of UK manufacturing. Reaching the milestone of 5,000 apprentices, graduates and engineers trained is a testament to the transformative impact of investment in skills, innovation and SME growth. By helping manufacturers access apprentice and salary support funding to create high-quality opportunities for young people, we are not only strengthening individual businesses but also securing the long -term competitiveness of the sector. We look forward to building on this success and supporting thousands more apprentices in the years ahead.”
David Grailey, managing director at MTC Training, added: “UK manufacturing stands at a pivotal moment as it looks to embrace new technologies, drive productivity and accelerate the transition to ‘net zero’. Closing the skills gap through the next generation of talent is critical if the sector is to realise its full potential and remain globally competitive.
“Our partnership with Lloyds has been instrumental in this effort giving hundreds of SME manufacturers the means to invest in training through Lloyds’ Apprentice Support Service. By delivering apprenticeships, we are helping businesses access the skilled workforce they need, while creating well-paid, meaningful careers that strengthen regional economies across the UK.”