Attracting Gen Z into UK Manufacturing

The UK manufacturing sector is evolving faster than ever—automation, digital design, and sustainable production are transforming what it means to “make” things. Yet, according to recent research, over 75% of UK manufacturers still see the shortage of skilled workers as their biggest barrier to growth.

This shortage isn’t just a numbers game—it’s about perception. Too many young people still imagine factories as outdated, noisy, and uninspiring. For many in Gen Z, manufacturing doesn’t appear on the radar when thinking about creative, tech-led careers. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Manufacturing Today:

Creative, High-Tech, Purpose-Driven In a modern factory like Curtis Furniture’s 70,000 sq ft facility in West Yorkshire, CNC machining works side-by-side with skilled handcrafting. Every project is a collaboration between design thinking and practical expertise—turning concepts into high-quality hotel furniture used by some of the biggest names in hospitality. For young people who want to work with technology, solve problems creatively, and see tangible results from their efforts, this is the ideal environment.

Gen Z Priorities: Where Manufacturing Fits

Gen Z brings a unique set of values and expectations to the workplace:

Technology & Innovation – They want cutting-edge tools and processes.

Purpose & Impact – They care about making a difference, including sustainability.

Career Development – They need clear pathways and skills growth.

Collaboration & Culture – They thrive in inclusive, supportive environments.

Curtis Furniture ticks all these boxes—offering a career path where apprentices can learn modern manufacturing skills, work on meaningful projects, and develop alongside industry experts.

Curtis Furniture’s Apprenticeship Scheme: Skills for the Future

Through its apprenticeship programme, Curtis actively recruits school leavers eager to learn and contribute. Apprentices work across multiple stages of production—assembly, machining, finishing—supported by experienced mentors. The scheme is designed not only to teach technical skills, but to instil pride in craftsmanship and an understanding of how every role contributes to a finished product. Partnerships with training providers ensure apprentices receive:

• On-the-job learning with state-of-the-art equipment 
• Personal mentoring from seasoned craftspeople
• Support in core skills like IT, maths, and English
• Clear progression routes into permanent roles

Why It Matters for Gen Z

Modern manufacturing offers what Gen Z says it wants most—impact, innovation, and growth. But to get them through the door, we must show the reality: manufacturing today is clean, collaborative, tech-driven, and creative.

Curtis Furniture is proof. By investing in apprenticeships, embracing high-tech processes, and creating a culture where ideas and skills are valued, Curtis is helping reshape the story of manufacturing—and showing young talent they can build more than just products here; they can build careers. Final Thought Attracting Gen Z into manufacturing isn’t just about filling vacancies—it’s about securing the future of the industry.

Companies like Curtis Furniture are proving that with the right opportunities, technology, and culture, the next generation can see manufacturing not as a last resort, but as a first choice.