As AM adoption accelerates, a critical barrier to growth is emerging: a widening gap between the skills industry needs and the talent available. Across the UK AM ecosystem, employers are struggling to hire technicians, operators, and applications engineers who can bridge traditional manufacturing knowledge with AM-specific expertise.

At the same time, academic pathways are not evolving at the pace required. Many graduates enter the workforce as generalists, lacking the depth of specialisation needed to contribute immediately in highly technical roles. This disconnect is contributing to extended hiring timelines and increasing competition for experienced talent.

This session will provide a data-informed overview of current skills gaps, explore the challenges around academic and graduate readiness, and highlight key recruitment trends shaping the AM workforce - including the growing influence of defence-driven demand.

It will also introduce the concept of “T-shaped talent” as a framework for developing more industry-ready professionals. Attendees will leave with practical insights into how to better align education, hiring strategies, and career development with the evolving needs of the AM sector.

Following a series of presentations exploring the AM skills landscape—from aligning talent with industry needs, to co‑creating education with industry partners, to the evolution of AM as a WorldSkill—this panel brings the conversation together. Moderated by Steve Cox, representatives from Alexander Daniels Global and the University of Leeds will examine how industry, academia, and skills bodies can collaboratively build a resilient, future‑ready AM workforce. The discussion will address recruitment realities, emerging competency requirements, talent retention, and the role of practical training pathways. Attendees will gain a holistic view of what it takes to equip the next generation with the skills and confidence to drive AM adoption at scale.