Yorkshire SMEs Get Digital Manufacturing Skills Training for AI and Business Growth

Ever feel like technology is moving a bit too fast? One minute it’s all about getting online, the next it’s artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing. For small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in Yorkshire, keeping up can feel like a full-time job. But what if there was some free, expert help available right on the doorstep? Well, there is. A government-backed programme is offering fully funded training courses designed to give local SMEs the digital skills they need to boost their business growth and stay ahead of the game.

What’s all the fuss about digital skills?

Let's be honest, the world of manufacturing is changing. It's not just about making things anymore; it's about making them smarter, faster, and more efficiently. This is where digital skills come in. Embracing advanced technologies isn't just for the big multinational corporations. For SMEs, it’s about improving competitiveness and ensuring the business has a strong future. This might mean using AI to predict when a machine needs fixing before it breaks down, or using digital tools to improve communication across the factory floor. This whole process is often called digital transformation, and it's a big deal for building successful careers and businesses that last.

Two free programmes to get everyone on board

Leading this charge is Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber, which is inviting manufacturers to sign up for two brilliant, and completely free, training programmes. They’re designed to help with digital adoption across the entire business, from the top down.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Digital Manufacturing Leadership (Digital Leaders): This one’s for the bosses and senior managers. It’s all about giving them the strategies and skills to bring in new digital technologies and lead the company through change. It’s big-picture stuff for those steering the ship.

• Digital Manufacturing Champions (Digital Champions): This course is for the people on the ground—the engineers and team leaders who make things happen day-to-day. It gives them the practical skills and confidence to drive improvements on the shop floor. They become the go-to people for all things digital.

Both programmes focus on building strong leadership skills, whether it's setting a new company-wide strategy or leading a small team project.

What to expect from the training

This isn't your average, sit-in-a-room-and-get-bored kind of training. The upcoming cohorts for both the Digital Manufacturing Champions programme in Leeds and the Digital Manufacturing Leadership programme in York start on Wednesday 4 February. The courses run for about eight or nine weeks and are a mix of different learning styles.

Participants get face-to-face workshops, online webinars they can join from anywhere, and even a visit to another manufacturing site to see how they’re using digital tech in the real world. The whole thing is delivered by experts from Sheffield Hallam University, who bring knowledge from their business, technology, and engineering departments. They cover some seriously cool topics, like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and 3D printing, and participants get access to the university’s labs to see it all up close. The goal is to equip everyone with practical, modern manufacturing skills.

It's more than just a course

The support doesn’t stop when the training ends. The idea is to connect businesses with a wider network of help. Taking part in the training can open doors to other Made Smarter support, including funding for digital internships, one-on-one technical advice, and even grants for investing in new equipment. A dedicated Business Relationship Manager can help guide businesses through the options available, making the entire digital transformation journey feel much less overwhelming.

Real stories from Yorkshire businesses

Since 2021, 88 manufacturing businesses across Yorkshire have already taken part. These aren't just one type of company; they come from all sorts of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, energy, and even furniture making. Companies like Treske Furniture in Thirsk and Trust Electric Heating in Leeds have all benefited.

But what do they actually think? Deepu Mathews Chirappuram, Head of Automation at GMP Manufacturing in Hull, found it incredibly useful. “The programme has strengthened my leadership capability and given me the confidence to drive meaningful digital initiatives, ensuring the business remains competitive and agile,” he said.

It's not just about confidence, either. It’s about getting real results. Robert Steadman, an Engineering Manager at The Water Hydraulics Company, added: “We’re starting to apply these insights in the business, and I can already see the potential for improved efficiency and growth.”

The experts behind the course know that technology is only half the battle; it's the people that make it work. Vincent Traynor, an Associate Professor of Change Leadership at Sheffield Hallam University, explained, “The programmes support leaders at every level of a manufacturing business, from senior decision-makers to shop-floor staff, helping them learn from others and build the confidence needed to lead change successfully.”

Jessica Armitage, a Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber, summed it up perfectly. “These programmes have shown how powerful the right skills and leadership support can be for manufacturing SMEs. Businesses have grown in confidence, improved communication, and moved from talking about digital transformation to actually delivering it.”

Sound good? Here’s how to get involved

For any manufacturing SMEs in Yorkshire looking to get a handle on digital technology and boost their business, this is a fantastic opportunity. The training is fully funded, so there’s no cost, and it's tailored to the real-world needs of modern manufacturing.

Manufacturers who are interested in joining the next cohorts are encouraged to register their interest online via the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber website. Alternatively, they can get in touch with their local Business Relationship Manager to chat about the course schedules and secure a place. It’s a chance to build skills, improve communication, and make sure your business has the tools for long-term success and competitiveness.