AMRC Training Centre opens doors to future makers on National Manufacturing Day

In celebration of this year’s National Manufacturing Day, the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre welcomed students from local schools to take part in exciting STEM activities and explore opportunities in manufacturing.

A total of 60 students and staff from three schools – Sheffield Springs Academy, Wales High School and Doncaster UTC – participated in interactive, hands-on activities from AR/VR welding to additive manufacturing technologies. The students were also introduced to the apprenticeships on offer at the AMRC Training Centre to help them learn about the pathways to get into the thriving world of manufacturing. 

Lisa Wyld, a teacher of engineering at Doncaster UTC said: “Days like this are really inspiring for our students. They’re able to link all the things we’re telling them, the theory and the lessons, and seeing it first hand. They’re able to see it in a job setting and in a training setting within multiple areas of engineering and all the different sectors.”

As part of the tour facilitated by the Work-wise Foundation, the students also visited two local businesses in the region, CMD and MagTec, along with the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s Fusion Technology Facility in Rotherham – for a behind the scenes view of the exciting work they do. 

Make UK's National Manufacturing Day 2024 was open to all age groups, from school leavers to more experienced workers looking at reskilling to consider the possibilities of a career in manufacturing and also gave companies the chance to let their whole community understand more about the businesses on their doorstep.

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation said: “This is a really exciting day where the manufacturing sector came together to celebrate the amazing things that Britain designs and makes. 

“Britain’s manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most innovative engineering developments seen anywhere around the world. This is a sector with amazing opportunities and we hope National Manufacturing Day has given people who have never had the chance to see inside their local businesses just what is going on and the opportunities available to them.”