Digital skills courses

The government-backed digital adoption programme is inviting manufacturing SMEs to register their interest in two forthcoming complementary skills programmes, Digital Manufacturing Leadership (Digital Leaders) and Digital Manufacturing Champions (Digital Champions), which support businesses at both strategic and operational level with digital transformation. 

Digital Leaders focuses on equipping senior managers with the strategies and skills to adopt cutting-edge digital technologies and lead organisational change. Meanwhile, Digital Champions is designed to equip engineers and operational leads with the practical skills and confidence to successfully drive digital adoption and business growth. 

The next programmes will see Digital Manufacturing Champions in Leeds and Digital Manufacturing Leadership in York, both starting on Wednesday 4 February.

The courses, which are delivered over eight and nine weeks respectively, blend face-to-face workshops, online webinars, and a manufacturing site visit to technology adoption in action. 

Delivered by a team of experts at Sheffield Hallam University, the programmes draw on expertise from across its business, technology and engineering schools, providing participants with practical insights into how digital manufacturing technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D printing, are applied in real-world settings. 

Participants also gain access to the university’s manufacturing and engineering labs and are supported in developing a bespoke, tech-enabled business strategy, helping them connect leadership development with wider Made Smarter support such as digital internships, technical advice and capital investment grants.

Since 2021, 88 manufacturing businesses from all four corners of the region, spanning sectors including pharmaceuticals, furniture, energy and environmental technologies, have built digital leadership capability through these courses.

In Hull and East Yorkshire, participants have included GMP Manufacturing, a leading UK contract drug manufacturer, alongside Teal & Mackrill, manufacturers of marine and agricultural paints and varnishes, and The Water Hydraulics Company, producers of pumps, motors, valves and power packs for industrial applications.

Deepu Mathews Chirappuram, head of automation for GMP Manufacturing, said: “The programme has strengthened my leadership capability and given me the confidence to drive meaningful digital initiatives, ensuring the business remains competitive and agile in an increasingly technology-driven industry.”

Robert Steadman, engineering manager for The Water Hydraulics Company, said: “The programme has already given me practical tools and frameworks to think strategically about technology adoption and change management. We’re starting to apply these insights in the business, and I can already see the potential for improved efficiency and growth.”

From North Yorkshire, manufacturers have included Additive X, a Ripon-based 3D printing technology solutions provider, and Treske Furniture, a Thirsk-based manufacturer of high-quality hardwood furniture.

Jo Young, managing director for Additive-X, said: “Transformation used to sound like one huge, overwhelming project. Now I see it as a series of manageable steps. The programme has helped me be better at my job, and it will be the most successful digital project I have implemented in my 20-plus years of running Additive-X.”

In West Yorkshire, participants have included Trust Electric Heating, a Leeds-based manufacturer of electric radiators, while South Yorkshire has been represented by Andel, a Barnsley-based manufacturer of specialist leak detection, flood defence and environmental protection systems.

Dr Marshall Booth, technical director for Andel, said: “One of the most valuable aspects of the course was not just the new processes and project management skills we were introduced to, but the focus on staff engagement. Helping people get on board with change, especially when they have been working in the same way for more than 20 years, can be the biggest challenge when making significant changes.”

Kostas Charalampous, installations manager at Trust Electric Heating, said: “It gave me practical tools to improve communication, decision-making and team engagement, which I’m already putting into practice on site and within the wider installations team.”

While both programmes focus on AI, robotics and digital technology, the real impact is on people, according to Vincent Traynor, Associate Professor of Change Leadership at Sheffield Hallam University.

“We support leaders at every level of a manufacturing business, from senior decision-makers to those on the shop floor, helping them learn from others and build the confidence needed to lead change successfully,” he explained. “The programmes are designed to be flexible and realistic for busy manufacturing businesses, giving delegates the space to step back, reflect on the bigger picture and share ideas with peers facing similar challenges.”

Jessica Armitage, programme manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber, said: “Over the past five years, these programmes have shown just how powerful the right skills and leadership support can be for manufacturing SMEs. We have seen businesses grow in confidence, improve communication between leadership and the factory floor, and move from talking about digital transformation to actually delivering it.

“January is an ideal moment for manufacturers to kick start their digital transformation, particularly as technologies like artificial intelligence become central to productivity and competitiveness.”

With new cohorts launching soon, manufacturers are encouraged to register their interest via the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber website or contact their local Business Relationship Manager directly to discuss course schedules and secure places.

www.madesmarter.uk