The fourth
National Manufacturing Day, championed by
Make UK, will see companies from around the whole of the UK host Open Days on 25 September to give visitors a unique behind-the-scenes look at the innovative and varied jobs on offer in this highly-paid sector of British industry.
From engineering to food and drink, aerospace, automotive, chemicals, renewables and pharmaceuticals, visitors will get the chance to take part in hand-on workshops and speak to existing staff about the fast career progression and opportunities available. Last year, over 250 businesses opened their doors for visitors to take part in varied activities such as building their own aeroplane, designing circuit boards from scratch, 3-D printing, virtual welding and even how lifeboats start out as simple composites.
This year, students and other guests will have the opportunity to talk to current apprentices about their paid training as well as delving into the roles of the marketing, planning and research which drive the innovations of tomorrow. Make UK is now encouraging all manufacturing businesses to sign up via the website
Get Involved|NMD 2025.
While businesses that took part last year, can quickly update their pledges, those participating for the first time just need provide the name of their company and a contact email so Make UK can get in touch with you loads of ideas. Once signed, a pin will be added to an interactive map, meaning that the company will be visible to local people iterested in attending one of the Open Day events.
A celebration of innovationsStephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation, said: “National Manufacturing Day is growing every year and is where the diverse sector I am privileged to represent comes together to celebrate the innovations British companies make every day and showcase the careers on offer to people of all ages across the whole of the country.
“Our companies are at the forefront of technology development and global renewable design, and we hope this year’s
National Manufacturing Day will encourage people who have never thought of manufacturing as their future to come along to see what it is really like first hand. This is a highly paid sector which offers something for everyone. I started my career as an apprentice engineer, and it is a decision I have not regretted for a single day.”
National Manufacturing Day isn’t just a day for inspiring career-minded school, college and university students though, it is also a chance for staff to show off their own hard work and achievements, with many companies inviting employees’ friends and family to see their place of work. While those looking for a career change are also encouraged to join in – there are plenty of retraining opportunities available for everyone in the manufacturing sector.