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Last Thursday industry professionals from across the country gathered at Verizon’s slick London Hub in at MidCity Place, Holborn, for a Changemaker Moments event on Manufacturing. Hosted by Unloc, our Unloc Changemaker Alliance Members Verizon Business and Juniper Networks, and The Manufacturer – the event welcomed delegates from 25 manufacturing leaders, 25 young people, and members from all three organisations. Together they engaged with panels, explored emerging AI, IoT and robotics, networked, and even enjoyed a speed-mentoring session.
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The Manufacturer’s 2024 research revealed that the biggest challenge facing the industry today is Leadership, People, and Skills, with 24% of manufacturing leaders saying this is the most pressing issue. What the research discovered is that that culture and skills are at the root of this.
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Young, tech-native demographics entering the workforce are bringing to light the need for a cultural shift in the industry. And, as an aging industry during, tech is desperately in need of attracting young people with these digital skills and innovative ideas.
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The question posed to delegates was ‘How do we do this? How do we rebrand the industry while attracting the talent that will help us do just that?’
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This opened the way for much debate and sharing of experiences and thoughts on the current state of the industry, as well as where it’s headed in the coming future. Where are organisations seeing themselves headed – and how do they intend to get there?
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During the event the delegates experienced:
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- Careers: Uncovered
This interactive fire-side panel removed the barrier of assumption as the audience were given the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into individual pathways, and learnt how each guest found the pathway to their present career and position.
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- Unleashing Innovation
Young people spoke to business leaders around Verizon’s London Hub, where they explored how emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics are revolutionising the manufacturing industry. Where it’s been, where it’s headed, and the potential for the future.
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- (Reverse) Mentoring
Young people and business leaders learnt from one another in a fun and energy fuelled speed mentoring and reverse mentoring session. Delegates explored topics supporting young people in navigating career paths in the rapidly evolving field of manufacturing, and encouraged business leaders to consider the role they have to play in building a bright future for the industry.
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The event was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm as business leaders got to hear directly from young people themselves, hear their ideas, their experiences, and where they see themselves posited within the industry.
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It was also a great opportunity for business leaders to get to know one another, network and see where their organisations and ambitions align in the industry.
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Unloc’s Managing Director Hayden Taylor said:
“Events like our Changemaker Moments Days are exactly why we formed the Unloc Changemaker Alliance in the first place, bringing together business leaders from across industry to meet and connect directly with young people. To have this direct line of access to hear from industry leaders, to gain insight and hear their lived experience is so valuable and inspiring.”
“In return professionals get to engage with young changemakers just starting out on their own career journey, to share in their enthusiasm and vision for the world and the industry as they imagine it – a whole new generation of professionals just waiting to emerge and share their talents. It was a fantastic event and I know everyone I spoke to enjoyed it immensely. A huge thank you to young people that came along to speak today, to The Manufacturer, and to our amazing partners Verizon Business and Juniper Networks for working with us to deliver such an engaging event.”
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More Changemaker Moment events soon, click here and follow us on LinkedIn for all the latest updates!
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Is your organisation interested in joining the Unloc Changemaker Alliance? Click here for more info
