Wow. 2017 was quite a rollercoaster thanks to Brexit. Outlooks have fluctuated from grim to exceptional (depending on who you ask) and the uncertainty looks set to continue into 2018.
As mentioned in previous blogs, technological developments in the industry are going to transform processes and services, and it’s imperative that Britain leads the way. The starting point for this is education and training. Despite a drop of 59% in the uptake of new apprenticeships since April, the Apprenticeship Levy imposed may still be fruitful in the creation of 3 million new apprenticeships. The government has also labelled 2018 the ‘Year of Engineering’ to help raise awareness across schools and colleges of the importance, and career opportunities available, in the Engineering sector. This should help the deficit of 20,000 engineering graduates a year we currently face.
Industry 4.0 will offer opportunities for Manufacturers to attract and develop a new generation of skilled employees, as well as improving processes and services. AI and Machine Learning will be key to these developments, so it is in the public interest to ensure we begin to encourage people to take up, or re-train for, careers in the industry. Many business owners will need to future proof their businesses by considering not only what modern tech related positions they need filling now, but also positions that will become available in the future.
Another aspect that will affect the industry is the exchange rate. Again, depending on who you ask this could go up or down. Depending where the exchange rate falls will ultimately influence investments in the UK as well as costs for business owners. Whilst the rate is inextricably linked to the outcome of Brexit, all we can do is watch and wait, whilst maximising the opportunities that the current rate provides.
That’s not to say we don’t already have investment underway in 2018. Manufacturers such as Toyota, Boeing, Liberty House Group, FANUC and Aston Martin have all indicated investment into the UK for this year, with more to follow no doubt.
So, is it all bad? No. All Good? Not really. Somewhere in between? Most likely. We can’t predict the future, nor can we predict Brexit but what we can do is what Britain does best……Keep calm and carry on!
I'd also like to take the chance to thank you for all your help during my time with Ambitek. I have always been paid on time and any worries I had were sorted out incredibly quickly either by yourself or your colleagues. Thank you for making my time as a contractor as painless as possible. I would certainly have no qualms about being employed by your agency again sometime in the future. Although obviously not any time soon!!!!
I contacted Ambitek last year about employment. They quickly responded and helped me get a job! I now have a full time job thanks to Ambitek and their staff. They have always paid me on time and have always been there to help me if I needed any advice! Now me and my family are doing great all thanks to Ambitek.
"Hi, hope your all set for Xmas just wanted to say thanks to you and all the staff at Ambitek. You have all been ace this year sorting out my wages and holiday pay and the rest, it's been a real pleasure working for you this year and can't thank you enough for getting me the job in the first place it really pulled me out of it when I was down and to say I appreciate it is an understatement
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Hi, just wanted to say thank you for all your help placing me, as today I signed a permanent contract. The agency have been fantastic and in the future I wouldn't hesitate in contacting you if I need a job or recommending you to others. Once again, thank you and I would like to wish you all the best for the future. (One happy customer!)
Hi, don't know if they informed you but I got a full time contract this week, thanks to you and your team for everything mate I'd be nowhere without Ambitek.
Wish everyone looked after us like you.