Birmingham-based Precision Micro, a world-leading provider of chemically etched components, welcomed 20 students from Plantsbrook Academy in Sutton Coldfield and Castle Vale’s Greenwood Academy as the business encourages school leavers to consider STEM careers. Chemical etching is a machining process which uses acids to create highly accurate metal components for many sectors including electric vehicles, renewable energy, and electric aircraft.

During the tour, students learned about manufacturing processes, how factories operate, and had the opportunity to speak with employees in different areas of the business about their own experiences working in the engineering industry. Led by current and former Precision Micro apprentices, the business hoped to inspire pupils and educate them about the roles available beyond education.

Furthermore, Precision Micro recruited four new apprentices last month on its ih-house scheme which has been running for over 30 years. A four-year programme, which received a record number of applicants thanks to Precision Micro’s ongoing work with local schools, colleges and universities, is open to students between the ages of 16 and 21 and provides holistic and skills-based experiences across the business.

Nikki Squire, HR manager at Precision Micro, said: “We take our role in the community seriously and see real importance in showcasing the rewarding career opportunities available in the manufacturing sector to the next generation. The Midlands has always been a melting pot of engineering talent and contributes greatly to our local economy, so initiatives like last week’s National Manufacturing Day factory tour are key to changing young peoples’ perspective of the opportunities available to them within the region.”

Sarah Dullea, career’s lead at Plantsbrook School, said: “The local manufacturing sector represents a significant opportunity for our school leavers so it is important that we maintain strong relationships with local businesses. These partnerships are crucial to giving our pupils a real-world view of the possibilities beyond education and help them to realise the skills they need to flourish within their chosen sector.”

Claire Hughes, transition manager at Greenwood Academy, added: “Our students were highly engaged with today’s factory tour at Precision Micro. They got the chance to learn about the different roles across the company and speak with people within the manufacturing sector. Opportunities like this can be critical for young people when making choices about the first stage of their career pathway.”

Precision Micro is now appealing for more local schools and colleges to partner in its apprenticeship scheme for 2024. For more information, email