Iscar Tools, a global leader in precision carbide metalworking tools, has thrown its weight behind the Education and Development (E&D) Zone at
MACH 2026 by taking on the role of headline sponsor, demonstrating its commitment to helping attract the next generation of engineers into the advanced manufacturing sector. The E&D Zone is the educational hub at
MACH 2026 and is designed for students, keen to explore what engineering-based manufacturing can offer them as a future career and to help them find their ‘pathway to engineering’.
David Jones, general manager at Iscar Tools’ UK facility in Birmingham, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the E&D Zone at
MACH 2026, ensuring the event can showcase the engineering-based manufacturing sector to the next generation of engineers.”
Like many other industries and sectors, manufacturing has had to work hard to attract new talent in recent years. David Jones continued: “We have all experienced the shortage of engineers in our sector and it remains a key issue for many exhibitors and visiting companies alike. Iscar Tools is keen to inspire interest in the sector from a young age and we believe the MTA’s work with schools, encouraging new talent to visit the show, is very worthwhile.”
A lynchpin of the E&D Zone is the guided tours of the exhibition — delivered by apprentices from MTA member companies — allows students to learn more about the latest manufacturing technologies being developed and deployed, discover different career paths and opportunities and meet companies looking for new talent.
James Selka, CEO of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), which organises the
MACH show, said; “Attracting new and retaining existing talent in our sector is a significant challenge – but one that the MTA is determined to tackle. The dedicated E&D Zone is designed to inspire a future generation to consider the advanced manufacturing sector as an exciting career.”
Hands-on activitiesWith nearly 3,000 students in the key age range of 11-18 expected to attend,
MACH 2026 promises to provide hands-on activities and be a showcase of what a career in advanced manufacturing looks like. The zone is supported by the Royal Navy STEM Outreach team, STEM Racing (formerly F1 in Schools), University of Wolverhampton, VEX Robotics, Worldskills UK, Siemens Plc, Harper Adams University, Imagineering Foundation and Renishaw – with further companies expected to be announced over the coming months.
James Selka continued: “We are delighted that Iscar Tools have agreed to take the role of headline sponsor in this area – their invaluable support ensures the MTA can continue to fund transport for those schools and colleges who otherwise might not be able to visit the event.”
Schools and students can register their interest in attending the E&D Zone via the
MACH website
here where there is a dedicated group registration portal for schools and colleges. Spaces are limited so booking early is strongly recommended. In addition, parents and guardians are welcome to register to attend the show and bring students with them — students aged between 11 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
As well as supporting the E&D Zone, Iscar Tools has a showcase stand within the Tooling Zone at
MACH 2026 (18-340), displaying its innovative, leading-edge technologies and unique cutting tools. Additionally, its products will feature in live demonstrations on many machine tool company stands throughout the show.