Purple squirrels

But despite these long term growth predictions, the sector is already experiencing difficulties in recruiting the right people, with employers nearly twice as likely to report a hard to fill vacancy than in the economy as a whole. Recruiters are forced to seek talent internationally. But is a lack of home-grown talent really to blame?

Dr Vicki Belt, Assistant Director at UKCES said: "There is a real demand for highly IT literate production managers and production directors with strong technical and business skills. These are the people managing the machines. It’s all about a balance of experience, knowledge, and softer skills.”

IT skills, understanding of complex materials and the ability to translate digital design into real-world production are set to be some of the most important skills for those working in advanced manufacturing sectors.

Meanwhile, high rates of youth unemployment have created an abundance of available talent for entry-level positions. Hiring managers can be increasingly particular in their requirements, demanding specific credentials and experience in the hunt for the ideal candidate – an individual described in recruitment circles as a Purple Squirrel. With such particular job specifications and requirements, how could the ability of such a candidate be reflected through a few A4 pages?

"When online job applications first began to gain footing in the HR world, they were merely perceived as supplements to the traditional recruitment process," says Carl Plant, CEO of digital technology experts, Bitjam, arguing that the time has come for recruiters to move beyond the CV. "What is needed is something that helps jobseekers and recruiters speak the same language. This way, the skills of fresh graduates and experienced candidates alike are easier to match to the requirements of employers."

Working in partnership with Stoke Sixth Form College, Newcastle-under-Lyme College, JCB Academy and a number of manufacturing employers, Bitjam has developed a mobile app called Passport. It encourages jobseekers to draw from their experiences inside and outside the classroom. Aside from conventional qualifications, it’s vital that candidates recognise how important to employers are core skills such as time management, problem solving, communication and leadership.

Passport translates skills and experiences into a language understood by employers, providing clearer candidate-to-employer communication. Young people with a bent for IT and digital design never have a better fast-track opportunity to succeed in manufacturing.

Go for it!