The National Robotarium leads project to create apprenticeship standard for robotics technicians

The National Robotarium is leading a new national initiative to develop the UK’s first dedicated apprenticeship standard for robotics technicians, helping create the skilled workforce needed to support the growing adoption of robotics across industry.

Funded by Innovate UK through the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology (BIST) Robotics Adoption programme, the six-month Robotics Technician Apprenticeship Framework Study (RTA) brings together employers, educators and robotics experts to define the skills required for the next generation of robotics technicians.

Addressing a growing skills challenge

Despite growing interest in automation, the UK continues to face a shortage of technicians with the practical skills needed to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair robotic systems, cited by robot manufacturers as a key challenge to accelerating adoption of automation. Up until now, robotics skills across sectors, including manufacturing, energy, logistics, healthcare, aerospace and defence, have relied on informal, ‘on-the-job’ training, which disproportionately disadvantages smaller businesses and SMEs looking to embed robotics and automation into their operations.

As lead organisation, alongside partners including UK RAS STEPS and Professor Ian Green, Professor of Practice at Newcastle University, who was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to apprenticeships and STEM education, The National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University will work with an industry and academic cross sector group. Together, the group will support the coordination and development of a national apprenticeship standard that reflects the needs of industry. The aim is to create a clear career pathway for individuals looking to enter the robotics industry, with a dedicated focus on 16- to 24-year-olds outside of work.

The project team will also develop a concept for ‘NatBot’, a modular robotic platform that will act as the primary practical learning tool within the apprenticeships.

Blair Wilson, Outreach and Engagement Lead at The National Robotarium and Project Lead, said: “Robotics is becoming increasingly important across a wide range of sectors, but many organisations struggle to find people with the practical skills needed to keep robotic systems operating safely and effectively. By leading the development of a dedicated robotics technician apprenticeship standard, we’re helping create a clear pathway into exciting, high-value careers while supporting employers to make the most of robotics and automation technologies.”

Building the workforce needed for robotics adoption

The apprenticeship framework builds on The National Robotarium’s broader programme of activity to support robotics adoption and workforce development across the UK.

Alongside the RTA, The National Robotarium is a partner in COMPOSE (Curriculum on Manipulation Pipelines via Open Source Ecosystems), working with the University of Edinburgh, Booth Welsh Automation, CeeD, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and POMO Robotics to develop accessible training resources and practical learning pathways focused on robotic manipulation technologies. Building on COMPARE, the open-source ecosystem for robot grasping and manipulation, the training programme will address the current shortage of qualified robotics engineers and bridge the gap between academic robotics research and industrial adoption.

Both studies are supported as part of a wider push by the UK Government to accelerate the uptake of robotics and autonomous systems across industry and public services. Through the £52m BIST robotics growth programme, a UK-wide network of robotics adoption hubs has been funded to help businesses overcome barriers to automation and facilitate access to specialist expertise and facilities, as well as developing the skills needed to successfully deploy robotic technologies for decades to come.

The funded hubs were announced at a special launch and roundtable event, held at The Harvest Hub in Lincoln on 9 October, with a keynote speech by Minister of State (Minister for Artificial Intelligence) the Rt. Hon Kanishka Narayan MP.

Co-Director of The National Robotarium, Steve Maclaren attended the event. He said: “As one of the UK’s leading centres for robotics and AI, The National Robotarium continues to be recognised as a key delivery partner – alongside other established leaders RAICo (Robotics and Artificial Collaboration) and MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre) – in this national effort, supporting organisations across sectors including manufacturing, energy, healthcare and agriculture to explore and adopt robotics solutions that improve productivity and resilience.”