Most industry sectors face an urgent yet overlooked problem: invisibility. For many sectors, particularly those in specialised or niche fields, there is a growing disconnect between their existence and the awareness of the next generation — especially students. The result? A pipeline of young talent that runs out before it even begins.
“Many students simply don’t know about the diverse career opportunities available to them,” explains Philip Reynolds, CEO of Connectsu. “Industries that require specialised skills are often overshadowed by more popular fields like technology or finance. This lack of visibility is a significant problem for industries struggling to attract fresh talent and ensure their future workforce.”
Without awareness, industries face an uphill battle in attracting new talent. Students, especially those still forming their career paths, aren’t going to pursue opportunities they don’t know exist. This is a dangerous trend, particularly as the older generation retires, leaving critical gaps that need to be filled by new, younger professionals.
Reynolds emphasises the importance of industry leaders and trade bodies stepping up their outreach efforts. “The future of your industry depends on your visibility,” he warns. “If young people don’t know about you, they won’t consider you as a career option. And if they don’t consider you, your talent pool could shrink to a critical level.”
He poses a critical question to all industry leaders: “Can you afford to remain invisible in a world where visibility is key to survival?”
The urgency to act is clear: proactive communication, engagement with educational institutions, and a stronger digital presence are essential steps to ensure industries remain visible and viable to the next generation of talent.
Let Philip Reynolds help you get noticed by your future membership [email protected]
The post Trade Bodies: Are You Becoming Invisible to the Next Generation of Talent? appeared first on Manufacturing Matters Magazine.
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