The finals of the
Institute of Mechanical Engineer’s (IMechE) Apprentice Automation Challenge will take place on 25 September, where some of the brightest young engineering apprentices from across the UK will showcase their innovation, teamwork, and technical skills.
Now in its 11th year, the
Apprentice Automation Challenge invites apprentice engineers in industry and academia to design, build, and demonstrate a prototype device that automates a common product or process. The competition gives participants the chance to apply their engineering knowledge, practical expertise, and creativity to a project that mirrors the challenges faced in industry. Alongside the Institution’s other student engineering competitions, the Challenge is a cornerstone of the IMechE’s mission to develop and inspire the next generation of engineers.
Returning to the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the finals event will see apprentices showcase their prototype devices to a panel of judges, drawn from committee members and senior engineers across the manufacturing industry. Formal presentation events will allow apprentices to justify their engineering decision making and demonstrate how they have developed and built their devices from their initial designs.
Highlight of the yearHead judge Toby Heagerty said: “The Apprentice Automation Challenge remains a highlight of my year and it is great to see the enthusiasm of the next generation of engineers. With more teams taking part this year, I am very much looking forward to seeing what the teams bring to the finals. On behalf of the committee, I would like to wish the best of luck to everyone taking part.”
The apprentice engineers will be joined by IMechE president Matt Garside on the day, alongside other senior engineers. The results of the competition will be available on the Apprentice Automation Challenge website and social media channels.