You do not necessarily have to study a specialist degree to enter the manufacturing industry, but there are roles that might require an engineering or business qualification to start.

Most of the larger manufacturing employers have their own graduate training programmes that teach the skills you will need. These will often be specific to the company you work for so provide the ideal way to become settled and integrated in a new environment. Smaller firms might place you on more personalised in-house training or expect you to learn on-the-job.

If you want to build up your skills base before applying for jobs and perhaps start higher up the ladder, many companies now offer summer courses and internships. These give businesses the chance to assess possible candidates for positions and for undergraduates to obtain insights into the sector.