Skills for Tomorrow: Unlocking potential among NEETs and the neurodiverse workforce

As the UK’s Industrial Strategy evolves, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing and clean energy presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape how we prepare young people for the future of work. For those Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEETs) and particularly those who are neurodiverse, this transformation could open new, meaningful pathways into long-term, skilled employment.   

In 2019, I explored how AI was beginning to reshape manufacturing, highlighting its potential to anticipate problems and optimise processes using historical data. AI’s ability to course-correct and make decisions across complex systems was already transforming production lines, logistics, and quality control. But the real challenge and opportunity lay in the skills required to harness this technology.

Reimagining skills for a connected industrial future

The UK’s manufacturing sector is changing faster than ever. AI now helps identify potential faults earlier, supports data analysis to optimise production, and assists with decision-making across complex systems.

The clean energy transition, meanwhile, is driving a wave of innovation in hydrogen production, battery technology and smart grids – all underpinned by digital systems that offer new opportunities for engineers to apply and grow their expertise.

These shifts call for interdisciplinary thinking, data fluency and collaborative engineering – the ability to connect mechanical, electrical and digital systems while understanding the human impact of technology.

End to end thinking, thinking from the perspective of the end user, consumer or customer is a key mindset required in this wave of change and overlaying the most effective use of technology to assist in this critical area.

From reactive to proactive: a new mindset

Traditional training has tended to focus on fixing problems once they occur. But tomorrow’s workforce will increasingly need to anticipate them – interpreting data, predicting outcomes and helping to prevent issues before they arise. This gradual shift from reactive problem-solving to predictive problem-avoidance is becoming central to how the industry develops and supports its people.

Government-backed initiatives like T-levels in digital and engineering are a positive step forward, embedding employer-led learning at the heart of technical education. But for real impact, training must go beyond frameworks – it must be inclusive, hands-on and relevant to real-world challenges.  

The potential of neurodiverse NEETs

Among NEETs, there is a group of neurodiverse individuals – including those with autism, ADHD and dyslexia – whose value strengths can often be well-suited to the needs of the modern industry. Skills such as pattern recognition, problem-solving under pressure and innovative thinking can bring enormous value to areas like data analysis, quality control, coding and systems engineering.

To unlock this potential, businesses and education providers must design accessible training pathways that recognise diverse learning styles and strengths. This means adapting recruitment, creating supported apprenticeships and building environments that enable neurodiverse talent to thrive.

By embracing neurodiversity, the industry can address both the skills shortage and the inclusivity gap – creating routes into work for those too often overlooked and ensuring that innovation is driven by a truly diverse workforce.

Collaboration: the bridge between education and industry

To build these pathways, learning institutions and employers must collaborate more closely than ever. Educators need the tools and confidence to teach tomorrow’s skills, which may mean reskilling themselves in digital and data-driven methods. Employers, in turn, must co-design programmes that mirror the evolving realities of work – from AI-powered production lines to clean-tech manufacturing.

At CCEP, we’ve seen how investing in early careers and inclusive development can create long-term value for both individuals and the business. By offering structured apprenticeships and engaging directly with young people who are outside traditional education routes, we can help ensure no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable, digital economy.

Building a future-focused workforce

We are committed to empowering the next generation with essential manufacturing skills and strongly support the Government’s renewed focus on the skills agenda through the creation of Skills England. This initiative will help deliver sector-specific development opportunities for individuals of all abilities, ensuring a skilled and inclusive workforce for the future

Advanced manufacturing and clean energy are more than buzzwords – they are drivers of economic resilience and sustainability. By investing in both technical and cognitive skills – thinking, judging, problem-solving – we can equip the next generation with the confidence to shape these industries.

The future of industry is not just about technology, but as importantly as ever it’s also about people to realise the full benefits the evolving technology provides . By connecting neurodiverse potential, inclusive education, and technological innovation, we can build a workforce that is resilient, adaptable, and ready to lead the UK’s industrial transformation.

By Sharon Blyfield OBE, Head of Early Careers Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Limited