Turning opportunity into talent

The UK faces a skills crisis in manufacturing and engineering. Thousands of young people fall out of the education system each year, and employers struggle to fill critical roles. Into this gap steps Fiona McGarry, whose career has been dedicated to turning untapped potential into opportunity.

Fiona grew up just minutes from Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull, yet engineering was never on her radar.

“I was more interested in psychology,” she says. “I thought I might be a criminal psychologist until I realised I couldn’t handle crime scenes, prisons or blood!”

A brief, unsatisfying year studying computer science followed before a role supporting excluded young people into education changed everything.

“I walked into a factory for the first time and just fell in love with manufacturing,” she recalls. “Seeing a sheet of steel transformed into a Range Rover in 90 seconds and thinking there is ‘one born every 90 seconds’, was incredible.”

Fiona spent 12 years at JLR managing education partnership centres and championing apprenticeships. Her ‘Young Women in the Know’ programme transformed gender representation in the business, increasing female apprenticeship intake from 5% to 52%.

Later, she joined Make UK, working with SMEs and large manufacturers to inspire the next generation. Today at Enginuity she focuses on bridging skills gaps and connecting employers with training providers as well as championing careers for young people often overlooked by mainstream education.

One of her key initiatives targets Alternative Provision schools, giving disengaged students access to welding and fabrication programs.

“These learners would make incredible engineers. They just need someone to show them the door.”

Fiona is also a vocal advocate for inclusion in manufacturing, championing women while ensuring all talent is recognised.

“We need everyone to feel welcome in this sector,” she explains. “Culture matters – it’s what keeps people in the industry.”

Her impact is clear: thousands of young people inspired and a sector increasingly aware that opportunity is the key to growth. For Fiona, manufacturing isn’t just about products it’s about people, potential and changing lives.

“Seeing young people find their place in engineering and thrive, that’s what drives me.”

With her dedication and relentless energy, Fiona is shaping not just the workforce of today but the manufacturing landscape of tomorrow.