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A major new initiative designed to help businesses across the South East strengthen their robotics and automation capabilities has secured more than £200,000 in funding from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Led by Canterbury Christ Church University, the Robotics Adoption, Industry Skills and Engagement – Southeast (RAISE-SE) project will create a new regional robotics skills network, bringing together universities, colleges, employers and community partners to address workforce shortages and accelerate the adoption of robotics and automation technologies across the region.
The consortium includes EKC Group, Didactic Services Ltd, Future Skills CIC, Amphenol Ltd and HSSMI Consulting Ltd. Together, the partners will develop and deliver a coordinated programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), outreach activity and employer engagement to support businesses in adopting robotics and emerging technologies.
Supporting Employer Priorities
The project aligns closely with findings from the Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Manufacturing Sector Plan, which identified increasing demand for higher-level technical, automation and digital skills across the region’s manufacturing and engineering sectors.
As businesses seek to improve productivity and competitiveness through new technologies, many continue to face challenges recruiting and developing the specialist skills required to implement, operate and maintain advanced systems.
Tudor Price, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The Kent and Medway Local Skills Plan for the Manufacturing Sector highlights a clear challenge for employers. As automation, robotics and digital technologies become increasingly important to productivity and competitiveness, businesses continue to face shortages of higher-level technical skills. RAISE-SE is a valuable employer-led response, creating practical and flexible pathways that will help people develop the capabilities needed to adopt and maximise emerging technologies. Importantly, it will support SMEs to strengthen workforce skills, embrace innovation and unlock future growth opportunities.”
Addressing a Critical Skills Gap
RAISE-SE has been designed in response to a growing challenge facing UK industry. While robotics and automation technologies are becoming increasingly common, many employers struggle to recruit technicians and operators with the practical skills required to install, maintain, operate and integrate robotic systems.
The project will help address this gap through a new employer-informed training programme spanning GCSE through to degree level. Designed for technicians, operators, career changers and new entrants to the sector, the programme will focus on practical skills including robotics awareness, safe operation, maintenance, commissioning and systems integration.
Importantly, employers will play a key role in shaping the curriculum to ensure learning reflects current and future industry needs.
Inspiring the Future Workforce
Alongside workforce development, the initiative aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians through engagement with schools, colleges and community groups across Kent and the wider South East.
Building on Canterbury Christ Church University’s established STEM outreach networks, the programme will provide hands-on experiences, careers guidance and progression opportunities, with a particular focus on supporting underrepresented groups to access emerging technology careers.
Driving Innovation and Growth
By combining workforce development, employer engagement and industry-led CPD, the consortium aims to create a sustainable model that strengthens the region’s robotics capability long beyond the initial funding period.
The project represents an important step towards ensuring businesses have access to the skills needed to embrace innovation, increase productivity and support sustainable economic growth, while creating new opportunities for learners and future talent across the South East.
Read the full announcement from Canterbury Christ Church University: South East partners secure funding to tackle robotics skills shortage
