New Report Highlights Urgent Need to Revive Visual and Manual Skills Across UK Industries
TCDT has released its first research report – and its findings point to a growing skills gap affecting some of the UK’s most important industries. The study reveals that visual sensitivity, manual dexterity, and 2D to 3D thinking are essential abilities across a remarkably wide range of professions, yet opportunities for young people to develop these skills are rapidly declining.
The report draws on insights from 76 leading professionals across 19 industries, including architecture, engineering, jewellery, interior design, fashion, leatherworking, medicine, and the arts. Contributors came from high-profile organisations such as Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, Theo Fennell, Stephen Webster, NHS hospitals, the Royal College of Art, the Francis Crick Institute, the National Theatre, the Royal School of Needlework, Fortnum & Mason, Tom Dixon, AKT II, and the London College of Fashion.
Despite their diverse fields, respondents consistently shared concern that hands-on skills and abilities are becoming harder to find in new applicants. The report arrives at a time when arts education is facing significant challenges. Many schools have cut creative subjects from their GCSE options altogether, while national policy continues to prioritise STEM subjects and digital proficiency.
This erosion of opportunity is happening despite the UK’s creative industries generating £126 billion in 2022 and growing 32% between 2010 and 2019 – far above the national average. Unlike sports or music, where extracurricular opportunities are common, many young people have no access to hand-skill development outside the classroom.
Professionals from across sectors described how a lack of hands-on experience is impacting students’ preparedness for the workplace. “Students have spent so much time in front of screens and so little time using their hands that they have lost the dexterity for stitching or sewing up patients,” says Professor Roger Kneebone, Imperial College London
Employers also reported that translating 2D concepts into 3D forms—a fundamental ability in countless design- and science-based careers—is increasingly rare in applicants. 93% of respondents said candidates who have taken initiative to train outside of school have a clear advantage when seeking employment.
TCDT Founder and CEO Penny Bendall notes, “Underserved students are simply not getting opportunities to build fine hand skills and think in 3D terms. These skills are essential not only in creative industries but also in engineering, architecture, and medicine.”
The report also underscores the value of diverse teams—those who bring different backgrounds, skill sets, and ways of thinking. TCDT draws its students from underserved communities, meaning that we are well-placed to help companies build the inclusive, multi-skilled teams they increasingly rely on.
In response to the findings, TCDT will expand its collaborations to even more professions, ensuring that our workshops reflect real industry needs. The report will also be incorporated into future lesson plans and shared with schools, helping raise awareness of the long-term career value of visual and manual skills.
