Page 10 - Pathways to Your Future

Over the years, manufacturing has suffered from a misconception that it
is a somewhat dangerous, dirty and undesirable job to undertake – but
that is simply not true. Despite this stereotypical perception,
manufacturing actually offers individuals of all backgrounds an
enormous amount of opportunity in modern, professional, highly
advanced technological surroundings.
In South West Wales, Manufacturing and Engineering are amongst the
largest private industry sectors in the region, employing well over 20,000
people, but around 20% are due to retire in the next 10 years, leaving a
gap in skills which is an opportunity for you.
More Manufacturing and Engineering skills are urgently needed to ensure
all the improvement projects planned for the region can be successful.
How do we know this?
Many of the manufacturing companies across South West Wales are
critical supply chain industries, meaning they make vital components for
the things we take for granted every day. Plus, there are further plans
which will rely on the supply chain even more into the future, such as:
Why Engineering and Manufacturing?
You could work with
✓ Drones / Aerospace
✓ Lasers
✓ Robotics
✓ 3D Design and Printing
✓ Virtual & Augmented Reality
✓ Automation & Programming
Or maybe you like designing and
making things using skills such as
✓ Metalworking
✓ Woodworking
✓ Textiles and Fashion
✓ Digital Circuitry
✓ Green Energy Solutions
Which subjects should I try to excel in?
Success in the subjects below will stand you
in good stead for a career in Engineering &
Manufacturing activities
Freeport
Freeport Status for Neath Port Talbot and Milford
Haven, allows for global investment and trade with
local innovative manufacturing businesses, creating
thousands of new jobs and putting coastal
communities on the path to long-term growth and
prosperity.
Energy Transition
Floating Offshore Wind, Battery Manufacturing,
Compound Semi-Conductors, Solar Farms, Micro
Nuclear Power Stations, new Metro Rail
development and even Space Ports are all planned
to come to South West Wales, all will require a
healthy supply chain of materials, designers,
engineers and products.
Engineering involves using scientific and
mathematical knowledge to help solve
problems in the real, practical world. Take
a look around you – cars, computers, TVs,
mobile phones, , houses, shops, roads,
medical equipment – all of these were
dreamt, designed and constructed by
engineers! The industry is looking for the
problem solvers, builder and designers of
the future.
Higher Education
Levels 2 and 3:
You will cover the skills needed such as
Metal Working, Welding, Production
Technicians, Machinists and Precision
Instruments
Level 4 and above:
You will cover R&D, Laboratory
Technology, Electrical Technician
Bachelor's Degree:
Engineers, Project Managers, Product
Developers
English / Welsh
Maths
Sciences
The list of things you could be involved in is a long one, far too long to list here, so instead,
look around you – almost everything you see will have started life in manufacturing..
Whether you are tech-savvy and great with numbers, love to talk and see yourself in a people-
orientated position, or whether you prefer a practical role that keeps you on your feet – you’ll
find all of this and more within the Manufacturing and Engineering industry.
Core Transferable Skills
❖ Energy
❖ Construction
❖ Automotive
❖ Agriculture
Are all looking for engineering
skills, giving you options into
the future.
Manufacturing & Engineering
What’s it all about?