School uniforms were swapped for workwear as businesses opened their doors to welcome students across the region to take part in Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day 2025, supported by the East Midlands Manufacturing Network.
In its fourth year, National Manufacturing Day aims to highlight the sector’s diversity and career opportunities and gives school leavers, graduates and local residents a chance to go behind the scenes of the firms to learn how they operate.
In this region, the East Midlands Manufacturing Network – part of East Midlands Chamber –supports and connects manufacturers with the aim of fostering innovation, driving growth and promoting collaboration.
East Midlands Chamber Head of Skills Vicki Thompson said: “Once again, it’s been tremendous to see so many firms in the East Midlands embrace Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day. With the sector such a powerful driving force behind the region’s economy, we cannot shout about its importance enough. We absolutely must champion the superb manufacturers we have here whenever we can – after all, this is a region known far and wide for making and creating.
“Giving the next generation in schools and colleges the chance not just to see how a manufacturer operates but go through the process of making a product themselves is incredibly valuable. If that inspires a young person to enter the industry, we can be sure of a strong future ahead.
“The East Midlands Manufacturing Network brings the sector together across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire so members can share insight, hear from experts and explore growth opportunities, so initiatives like National Manufacturing Day are something we very much support.”
Specialised Canvas in Chesterfield hosted year 11 DT students from Netherthorpe School, who took part in a practical challenge to design, cut, and sew their own kit bag.
Managing Director Paul Noble said: “National Manufacturing Day is a brilliant opportunity to showcase the innovation and skills within UK manufacturing. For us, it’s about opening the doors, inspiring the next generation, and showing how creativity, technology and craftsmanship combine to deliver quality products.
“Days like today highlight the importance of manufacturing to both our economy and our communities, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Pennine Healthcare in Derby tasked students from Anthony Gell School in Wirksworth and John Port Spencer Academy in Etwall with an ‘assembling challenge’ to make their own procedure packs, after learning about quality, accuracy and the importance of following procedures in medical devices.
Head of Marketing & Communications Dan Wilson said: “We are committed to realising our purpose – Protecting Life. Empowering Colleagues. Enriching Communities – each and every day.
“By hosting Manufacturing Day 2025 and welcoming local schools into our facilities, we have been able to demonstrate this commitment in practice. It has been an excellent day, and I hope we have helped to inspire the manufacturers of the future.”
ITP Aero welcomed year 10 pupils from Holgate Academy and T level students from Nottingham College to take part in factory tours and STEM workshops.
Communications and Engagement Lead Sarah Kinrade said: “With our long-standing heritage in the East Midlands, ITP Aero places huge importance on inspiring the next generation of talent to pursue careers in manufacturing. Today we welcomed 27 students to our Hucknall factory for National Manufacturing Day to experience the world of STEM in action.
“Through hands-on activities and a behind-the-scenes tour, the students discovered first-hand how science, technology, engineering and maths are applied every day in aerospace manufacturing right here in the region. It was fantastic to see their curiosity and enthusiasm as they explored how engines are made and the exciting career opportunities that STEM can open up for young people across the East Midlands.”
Bennett Engineering hosted students from St Andrews Academy in Derby and tasked them to decorate items ready to sell at their Christmas Fayre.
Director Seleena Creedon said: “To show the St Andrew’s students what we do as an engineering business within our industrial unit helps to show them what employment opportunities are available to fit their skills.
“National Manufacturing Day gives the students a chance to get hands on and leave with a ‘product’ they have been involved in making. This is a great outcome for them and I really am glad we can open our doors and welcome students in.”
Make UK Region Director Chris Corkan said: “National Manufacturing Day is an exciting opportunity for industry to come together and celebrate the innovative things we design and make in the UK. Companies across the region are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most groundbreaking engineering developments seen anywhere in the world.
“As manufacturers host open day events to showcase a modern, innovative and diverse sector. Encouraging people who have never thought of manufacturing as their future to come along to see what it is really like firsthand and to learn about the careers on offer to people of all ages. Demonstrating that manufacturing is an essential part of the East Midlands economy, strongly embedded in the fabric of local communities and employs more than a quarter of a million people.”
