Labour & Skills

Thanks to innovative leaders and an industrious workforce, Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector is a true success story. A strong culture of problem solving, R&D investment, and continuous improvement is driving growth, fostering innovation, and creating some of the most rewarding and impactful careers in the region. 

Manufacturing in Northern Ireland now supports almost 100,000 direct jobs and sustains around 250,000 roles in total, representing approximately a quarter of all employment across the region. While the sector continues to grow, labour availability remains a major challenge. Northern Ireland is currently experiencing effectively full employment, with some sub-regions already facing labour deficits. 

It is essential that manufacturers can access, develop and retain the skilled people needed to remain competitive, productive and sustainable. This means ensuring a steady pipeline of talent, equipping workers with future-ready skills and creating conditions where people can build long-term, rewarding careers in manufacturing. 

Manufacturing NI’s work on labour and skills influences policy and curriculum development, helping ensure manufacturing is represented in strategic workforce planning. We gather insight from employers to advocate for targeted investment, relevant training provision and long-term planning that meets the sector’s evolving needs. 

We support members with timely guidance on employment regulations, labour trends and recruitment pressures, including through our Anchor High Leadership Summit and other sector-wide initiatives. 

Each May, our Manufacturing Month campaign champions the sector, helping young people, communities and policymakers recognise the exciting career pathways and essential skills needed to power Northern Ireland’s manufacturing economy. 

Through strategic partnerships, including a fully funded online Learning Hub with The Open University, we support employers to attract, retain and upskill a talented, future-ready workforce.