By KLTV Newsdesk –

As the world marks International Women’s Day this Sunday, stories from across Yorkshire’s manufacturing sector reveal a quiet but powerful shift underway in factories, workshops, and boardrooms.

From engineering and energy to textiles and traditional craft industries, women across the region are helping to reshape manufacturing, bringing new perspectives, embracing digital technology and opening pathways for future generations.

While women currently make up only around a quarter of the UK manufacturing workforce, voices from businesses across Yorkshire suggest progress on the ground may be moving faster than national statistics reflect.

Technology transforming traditional roles

For many women working in manufacturing, the most significant change has been the growing influence of digital technology.

In the past, factory work was often seen primarily as physically demanding labour. Today, automation, data systems and digital tools are transforming how manufacturing operates.

Modern factories increasingly rely on machine programming, digital monitoring and data analysis. These changes are shifting the focus from physical strength towards technical knowledge, problem-solving and innovation.

As a result, manufacturing roles are becoming more accessible to a wider range of people and skill sets.

Digital systems are also helping to bridge the once-clear divide between factory-floor and office-based roles. Real-time data and digital monitoring tools mean that production, management and decision-making are now more closely connected than ever before.

For many women in the sector, this shift has opened up new career opportunities and made it easier to progress into leadership positions.

Leadership and confidence in a changing sector

Alongside technological change, leadership development has played a key role in helping more women move into senior roles.

Many female leaders across Yorkshire’s manufacturing businesses say training, mentoring and professional development have strengthened their confidence and decision-making skills.

Running a modern manufacturing business today requires far more than technical knowledge alone. Communication, resilience, collaboration and long-term strategic thinking are increasingly important leadership qualities.

Businesses across the region are also embedding coaching and leadership programmes within their organisations, creating environments where talent can develop regardless of background or gender.

Representation slowly improving

Cultural changes inside the industry are also becoming more visible.

Women working in manufacturing today report that female representation has improved significantly compared with 15 or 20 years ago. More women are now working on shop floors, in engineering roles and within senior leadership teams.

This increased visibility is important because it helps challenge long-standing stereotypes about what manufacturing careers look like.

Seeing women leading businesses, managing production teams or working in technical roles helps normalise those pathways for others considering entering the sector.

Changing perceptions for the next generation

Despite the progress, one challenge continues to emerge: perception.

Many industry leaders believe that young people, particularly girls, still receive limited exposure to the reality of modern manufacturing careers.

Manufacturing is sometimes portrayed as old-fashioned or undesirable, when in reality it is highly innovative and creative. Today’s industry includes fields such as digital optimisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, product design and global exports.

To address this gap, companies across Yorkshire are working more closely with schools and colleges. Activities such as mentoring, career talks, work placements, and T-Levels are helping students understand the wide variety of roles available.

Younger professionals often play a key role in these outreach efforts, as students tend to relate more easily to peers their age who can demonstrate realistic career pathways.

Digital transformation accelerating change

Programmes supporting digital adoption across manufacturing are also helping accelerate cultural change within businesses.

As companies introduce smarter technologies, they often need new digital, analytical and innovation skills. This shift is opening doors for people entering the sector through non-traditional routes and bringing fresh perspectives into the workplace.

Across Yorkshire, initiatives supporting digital skills, leadership training, and internships are helping build a stronger talent pipeline for the future.

These programmes also demonstrate that modern manufacturing is far more diverse than many people realise, combining technology, creativity, engineering and entrepreneurship.

A sector evolving

The experiences of women across Yorkshire’s manufacturing industry show a sector in transition.

Technology is transforming how factories operate, leadership development is building confidence, and representation is slowly improving. At the same time, outreach work with schools and communities aims to ensure that the next generation sees manufacturing as a dynamic and rewarding career path.

As communities celebrate International Women’s Day, these stories highlight not only how far the industry has come but also the opportunities that lie ahead as women continue to shape the future of manufacturing across Yorkshire.