Speaking at the conference, he called for a programme of growth through investment not cuts, and said this will provide sustainable manufacturing jobs to help with economic recovery.
He said: "We need workers with the right skills. In the UK, this means a greater concentration on the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills that will enable UK manufacturing to lead in innovation, research and development in traditional and modern industries, engineering, electronics, chemicals, printing, automotives, aerospace and IT."
The added that the Conservative policy to cut the science budget is "exactly the wrong thing to do".
"Industry is being asked to respond to the challenges of supporting a low-carbon economy," he said.
"Undermining our science and skills base will kill off the manufacturing base in the UK in the future."
He added that there needs to be education and training programmes which deliver technically competent workers, who can then deliver the growth needed to secure economic recovery.
"The UK needs more apprenticeships for the young and not so young. We need our schools to promote apprenticeships in manufacturing, providing good jobs for our young people for the future."
He added that industries such as the printing sector are often seen as grimy and dirty, when in fact they're not.
"Sectors such as the printing industry are high tech and can be well paid, and can offer a secure future for those involved."
