Condale Plastics is a major East Grinstead manufacturer specialising in plastic extrusions, whose operations reflect both regional and national contributions to the economy. Their visit by Mims Davies MP was aimed to highlight this and address pressing industry issues, emphasising solutions that bring together businesses, local schools, and government agencies.
As a long-time advocate for education and workforce development, Mims Davies was introduced to Condale’s advanced manufacturing systems and the vital role these operations play in UK supply chains. She toured their 6,000 square metre facility, which includes 33 extrusion lines and a dedicated medical production unit. Mims met with Condale’s skilled employees, some of whom have served the company for decades, to understand firsthand the technical expertise and dedication behind Condale’s operations.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Manufacturing is a core sector for the UK economy, contributing nearly 9% to the national output and employing around 7% of the workforce. Yet, it faces a growing shortage of skilled workers, particularly in technical fields like toolmaking and engineering. Recent research from Make UK indicates that over 74,000 vacancies remain unfilled, leading to a £6.5 billion shortfall in sectoral output.
This shortage is particularly pronounced in the Southeast. While demand for innovative, skilled workers continues to rise, manufacturing is competing with fields such as technology, media and finance, which attract many young professionals. Without intervention, this widening skills gap could compromise productivity and innovation across the sector.
At PRG, we recognised the value of using this visit to discuss these pressing issues. Mims Davies brought a fresh perspective, sharing ideas on how to strengthen and develop the manufacturing workforce to close this skills gap.
Promoting Apprenticeships
Central to the discussions was the potential of apprenticeships as a solution to the skills crisis. Mims Davies, a strong proponent of apprenticeships, spoke about her personal experience with her daughter, who chose an apprenticeship over university. This decision allowed her daughter to gain practical skills, a qualification, and a debt-free start to her career—a story that resonated with Condale’s team.
Condale Plastics, which has long supported young talent through on-the-job training, is now taking steps towards a formal apprenticeship programme. Structured apprenticeship programmes offer a viable, alternative pathway to university, allowing young people to gain technical skills in hands-on environments while earning a wage. Condale believes such programmes can help ensure the future of their workforce and the manufacturing industry. At PRG, we were pleased to facilitate this exchange of ideas on ways to implement apprenticeships that could benefit not only Condale but the wider local economy.
Strengthening School and Industry Partnerships
Beyond apprenticeships, fostering connections between schools, manufacturers and government agencies emerged as a key discussion point. Mims Davies shared successful examples from other regions, where business leaders collaborate with schools through ambassador programmes to introduce students to local career options. These programmes dispel misconceptions that local careers in manufacturing or engineering are less fulfilling than roles in large cities.
Condale Plastics has already been active in engaging local schools through work experience opportunities and factory tours. However, both Mims and Condale agreed that more could be done to establish long-term partnerships, providing young people with insights into the diverse career paths in manufacturing. Their discussion highlighted the critical role local businesses play in shaping a talent pipeline that starts from education. Additionally, Mims referenced Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) initiatives like Sector-Based Work Academies, which give individuals a taste of real manufacturing roles through a six-week training programme.
Ensuring a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
As the visit wrapped up, we facilitated a broader discussion on workforce diversity. Traditionally, manufacturing has been male dominated, yet Condale is committed to fostering inclusivity and recently hired female employees in technical roles. Mims Davies expressed particular interest in how apprenticeships could attract a wider range of candidates, making manufacturing an inclusive and rewarding career choice for all.
Mims Davies’ visit provided Condale Plastics with an opportunity to engage directly with issues that impact the future of the manufacturing industry. By collaborating with forward-thinking businesses, government bodies, and educational institutions, Condale and other manufacturers can help build a skilled workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. This visit underlined our dedication to supporting our clients in their missions to drive meaningful change and secure a skilled future workforce for the UK manufacturing sector.
