The Talent Conundrum Part 1
Why hiring alone will not solve the skills crisis.
Across advanced manufacturing and technology-led industries, including composites, aerospace, EVs, hydrogen, defence, renewables, and automation, talent scarcity has become one of the most significant constraints on growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Demand is rising fast, but the systems that attract, develop, and retain skilled people have not kept pace.
This white paper challenges the idea that the problem is simply a shortage of people. Instead, it shows how the industry faces a structural talent conundrum driven by limited visibility of roles, fragmented career pathways, long time to competence, inconsistent job definitions, and weak succession planning.
Fluency People’s The Talent Conundrum: Part One explains why recruitment alone delivers diminishing returns in specialist sectors and why organisations must shift towards long-term capability building if they want to grow.
Inside, you will find:
- An analysis of why talent has become a strategic constraint across advanced manufacturing and composites.
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Insight into the structural disconnect between employers and candidates, including visibility, capability, and alignment problems.
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The true cost of poor talent connection, from delayed delivery and burnout to loss of future capability.
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A clear case for retention and succession planning as strategic levers, not HR administration.
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A practical five-stage talent pathway covering attraction, entry, development, progression, and retention.
The paper concludes with a clear message. Talent challenges are strategic challenges. Organisations that treat people as long-term assets rather than short-term costs will protect knowledge, build resilience, and create sustainable competitive advantage.
Complete the form below to download The Talent Conundrum: Part One and learn how Fluency People helps organisations move beyond reactive hiring to build the capability they need to compete and grow.
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