Expertise from the University of Bath has helped inform a major new Parliamentary report on how the UK can better support skills development in the transport manufacturing sector.

The House of Commons Transport Select Committee has published findings following an inquiry into the skills needs of transport manufacturers, including across automotive, rail, aerospace and maritime industries.

Its report - Engine for growth: securing skills for transport manufacturing - draws on contributions from IAAPS’ Executive Director Professor Chris Brace who gave evidence in Parliament in October/ This built on a joint consultation response to the inquiry from IAAPS and the Institute of Coding.

In its report, the Committee highlights growing concern about skills shortages as manufacturers respond to cleaner technologies, electrification and increasingly digital systems. It concludes that these shifts are fundamentally reshaping the skills required across transport manufacturing - a theme central to the evidence provided by Bath.

Several recommendations also reflect issues raised by Bath academics, including the need for more flexible skills pathways, better alignment between training standards and fast-moving technologies, and stronger recognition of transferable skills.

Importantly, the Committee also supports the reintroduction of funding for level 7 apprenticeships for people aged 22 and over within key growth sectors, recognising the role advanced apprenticeships can play in developing highly skilled professionals.

Professor Chris Brace, Executive Director at IAAPS, said: "This is an important report that recognises the rapid pace of innovation in the transport sector as we introduce new energy sources, technologies and operating models to an industry that underpins our modern way of life.

"We see great opportunities to build on the unique strengths of our transport industry – but this requires many more skilled people, with expertise across many specialisms, all skill levels and a strong understanding of digital engineering methods."

Finally, the report also calls for training routes that are more accessible and inclusive, particularly for those with caring responsibilities or returning from career breaks, and highlights the importance of improving diversity and retention across the sector.

Professor Rachid Hourizi, Director of the Institute of Coding at the University of Bath, who collaborated on the evidence submission said the report underlines the growing importance of adaptable technical and digital skills.

He added: "This report makes clear that digital skills are now fundamental to the future of transport manufacturing. As technologies evolve - from automation to cleaner, data driven systems - the sector will only succeed if people at every level can access the digital training needed to keep pace.

"Ensuring flexible, inclusive pathways into these skills is essential if the UK is to meet the challenges and opportunities highlighted in the Committee’s findings."