It was recently reported in EU Business News that three in five young people would be unlikely to consider a career in manufacturing.
When one couples this with the fact that there has been a steady decline of traditional manufacturing apprenticeships in many European countries, it creates a real risk for a significant skills gap in the industry.
If manufacturing isn’t attracting and retaining early talent, this will lead to a skills gap that will ultimately mean less innovation and lower productivity in one of the most vital sectors.
Data-driven systems
Welcoming new talent into manufacturing is increasingly vital to the sector’s long-term success
Welcoming new talent into manufacturing is increasingly vital to the sector’s long-term success.
As existing talented workers retire, manufacturing urgently needs early talent to pick up the baton and carry forward the industry, developing the future technologies and helping ASSA ABLOY continue the journey to work smarter, safer, and more sustainably.
As early talent enter the workforce, they bring new ways of thinking and different perspectives. While experienced professionals have embraced new technologies over time, early talent often enters the workforce already fluent in digital tools, data-driven systems, and platforms like AI. Together, these complementary strengths can drive innovation and adaptability across the industry
Next generation of talent
Manufacturing must evolve in how it presents itself to new job seekers
To compete for the next generation of talent, manufacturing must evolve in how it presents itself to new job seekers.
First, learning and development opportunities are essential. As well as equipping new recruits with technical skills, they demonstrate that manufacturing takes ambition seriously and offers credible, long-term career paths that are dynamic and flexible.
By the same token, structured mentorship programmes give employees the feedback and support they need to grow, and ultimately, signal that they will be valued and invested in from day one.
Manufacturing also needs to ensure the hiring processes and workplace environments are attractive to job seekers. That means offering a digital-friendly recruitment process, role models that employees can truly look up to, and a focus on wellbeing within the workplace — creating an environment where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA
At ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA, they are constantly investing in early talent programmes.
Since 2010, their EMEIA Graduate Programme has welcomed over 200 ambitious young professionals onto an 18-month development journey – one that offers real opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the business.
Jack Robinson has been personally involved in shaping this programme over the years, and is proud to say it has achieved a 5-year retention rate of over 90% following completion. This is testament to the programme’s effective support structures and real commitment to the long-term career prospects of all participants.
Female representation in STEM
Since 2022, female representation in STEM roles across the business has grown by 20%
Since 2022, female representation in STEM roles across the business has grown by 20%, and women now hold 27% of management positions. ASSA ABLOY has ambitious targets to continue to grow female representation.
Further illustrating the focus on creating a workplace that is inclusive and has a real sense of belonging, 85% of the colleagues now say they feel comfortable being themselves at work. This is 3% above the industry benchmark, though the target remains 100%.
These outcomes reflect a meaningful cultural shift and the kind of company ASSA ABLOY is building for the future.
Looking ahead
Creating a truly future-focused business culture is an ongoing process. The world is evolving quickly – and so must manufacturing.
This means constantly improving how companies recruit, support, and retain their employees, while continuing to build an industry that reflects the values and expectations of the modern workforce.
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