Future-Ready Manufacturing: Workforce Strategies at Manufacturing the Future 2026

Running in parallel to the main stage in the Veranda Suite at the Galmont Hotel, Session 4 at Manufacturing the Future 2026 Conference focused on one of the most critical enablers of a future‐ready manufacturing sector: people.

The session opened with a keynote from Paul Healy, (Futurus), followed by a panel discussion moderated by Fiona Fennell, (Engineering Skillnet), with insights from Ann Clarkin (West Pharmaceutical Services), Aisling Soden (IDA Ireland), Anne Fitzpatrick (Enterprise Ireland) and Michael Ryan (Sanmina).

The discussion explored practical approaches to upskilling, workforce planning and leadership development in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.

Speakers examined succession planning, shifting workforce expectations and the capabilities required for modern manufacturing roles, with a strong emphasis on building cultures of continuous learning and high performance.

A timely and grounded session, reinforcing that long‐term competitiveness in manufacturing depends not just on technology, but on attracting, developing and empowering the talent that drives it.

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