East Midlands Manufacturing Network, an East Midlands Chamber initiative, supported businesses across the East Midlands as they opened their doors on the 26th September for National Manufacturing Day.
Aimed at highlighting the sector’s diversity and career opportunities, Make UK’s third National Manufacturing Day saw school leavers, graduates and local residents invited into premises to see how they operate.
East Midlands Chamber Head of Leadership & Training Programmes Vicki Thompson said: “Manufacturing plays a huge part in driving the East Midlands economy and with the region boasting so many businesses that make things, we must champion that whenever we can. The East Midlands Manufacturing Network, led by East Midlands Chamber, exists so we can do exactly that, bringing knowledge and ideas together, so being able to support National Manufacturing Day has been fantastic.
“Businesses gave the next generation of manufacturers the opportunity to go ‘behind the scenes’ and see the level of skill that underpins the whole manufacturing process.”
ITP Aero UK in Hucknall hosted students from five schools to learn about manufacturing and engineering in aerospace, take part in STEM activities and see Midlands Aerospace Alliance’s Defence and Aerospace Technology Roadshow.
ITP Aero UK Managing Director Ian Williamson said: “As a growing company, we are continuously looking to the future and seeking people who can help us to create world-class products. We were delighted to invite local schools and colleges in to see our company, and to show students, teachers and careers advisers what we do and the diverse range of careers we offer.
“There is so much history in Hucknall. We sit on the site where the Flying Bedstead* was developed and first took flight and have been producing parts for aeroplane engines here since the second world war. Events like this show our commitment to continue making history, with the manufacturers and engineers of the future.”
Specialised Canvas in Chesterfield challenged Year 12 students from Netherthorpe School to design and make a sports bag, exploring every stage of manufacture, from design to production.
Managing Director Paul Noble said: “It was great fun to host the Year 12 Students, and I really hope they enjoyed their manufacturing experience. The manufacturing sector is something the East Midlands can be proud of and having a day to celebrate the sector and inspire younger generations, as they consider their career journey can only be a good thing. At Specialised Canvas we were pleased to play our part in that.”
Derbyshire-based Hardy Signs hosted two groups of college students and gave presentations on manufacturing. Marketing Manager Blu Hardy said: “It’s so important to wave the flag for manufacturing in the East Midlands. This is a region that’s famously good for making things. At Hardy Signs, we live and breathe that every day – we design, manufacture and install bespoke signage for an infinite range of industries and sectors.
“To be able to share that passion and a behind the scenes insight with the younger generation has been really rewarding. We welcomed Business Management T-Level and Graphic Design students from Burton and South Derbyshire College. For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve seen how a business like ours operates and it’s been inspiring to hear the positive feedback.”
