Organisers of the UK’s leading processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision exhibition will shine a spotlight on one of the sector’s most pressing challenges when the event returns to the NEC Birmingham this September: the manufacturing skills gap and how industry can tackle it.

Taking place from 22-24 September, The PPMA Show® 2026 is the must-attend event for professionals from across the manufacturing spectrum, offering access to cutting-edge technologies, live equipment demonstrations, expert industry insight and valuable networking opportunities.

Alongside the latest innovations on display, visitors to this year’s show will also be able to access practical advice and support focused on addressing workforce shortages and developing future talent, through initiatives led by Automate UK.

Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer at Automate UK, said: “Of all the challenges facing the manufacturing industry at present, a diminished workforce and shortage of skills is perhaps the most pressing.

“Automate UK has an established reputation for encouraging and supporting young people seeking careers in engineering, automation, robotics and manufacturing, and The PPMA Show® is the ideal platform for those looking to work within the sector, as well as businesses seeking solutions to workforce challenges, to find out more about the work we do.

“This year’s show will be the first we’ve hosted since the launch of our Apprenticeship Cluster programme. This initiative, teamed with our expert seminar sessions, will provide employers and young people looking to enter the workforce with huge opportunities,” he explained.

Automate UK’s groundbreaking Apprenticeship Cluster programme, launched in January 2025, is a fully funded initiative designed to help address critical skills shortages across the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

The programme brings together businesses, educators and apprentices to help shape the future workforce through a collaborative, sector-wide approach. It is fully funded through Automate BEST — Automate UK’s charitable arm — using profits generated by members to support a sustainable future for both the sector and its workforce.

Scott added: “One of the best-attended seminars at last year’s PPMA Show® was a panel discussion focused on addressing the skills gap, covering education and training, alongside attracting, developing and retaining talent.

“We hope that this year, in addition to providing a platform for the latest state-of-the-art technologies, we can play a vital role in bringing new talent into the sector, offering a route into the industry that combines hands-on experience with structured, high-quality training, while also helping businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

With more than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands in attendance, The PPMA Show® 2026 is free to attend. To register, visit The PPMA Show®.