A&M EDM inspires future engineers on National Manufacturing Day. Photo: A&M EDM

West Midlands-based A&M EDM, which offers precision engineering services for demanding industries, opened its doors to students as part of Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day celebrations earlier this month.

Pupils from Shireland Collegiate Academy in Smethwick and Sandwell Academy in West Bromwich visited A&M to experience how a factory operates and see demonstrations of different manufacturing methods.

A&M provides precision engineering solutions for a range of industries by manufacturing bespoke high-value, low-volume components and tooling. The company designs, manufactures, assembles and tests components heading for sectors including aerospace, automotive, marine and motorsports. The company also manufactures its own UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) propulsion systems.

This was the first National Manufacturing Day, organised by manufacturing trade body Make UK’s. The aim was to help encourage the workforce of the future to consider the possibilities of a career in manufacturing.

Mark Wingfield, A&M EDM managing director, said: “We were enthusiastic participants in Make UK’s first National Manufacturing Day, to showcase the wonderful opportunities in manufacturing to local schools and inspire students to consider the sector as a career.”

The students were taken on a tour of manufacturing operations by A&M line managers, Martyn Brindley and Josh Salt, who both joined the company as apprentices in 2014. This was followed by a discussion with a current apprentice and questions from the students.

Kevin Hull, head of design and technology at Sandwell Academy, said: “The visit gave students the opportunity to see manufacturing in action, turning abstract ideas into something that can be seen and understood.”

Chris Corkan, Make UK regional manager (Midlands and East of England), said: “We were delighted to support A&M EDM who did a terrific job hosting local schools for the first National Manufacturing Day. It is through showcasing companies like this that we will highlight the great opportunities and careers available in engineering and manufacturing.”