Businesses opened their doors to students across the region for Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day 2026, supported by the East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN).
National Manufacturing Day 2026 took place on 24th September. The 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 at firms to learn how they operate.
The East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN) – part of East Midlands Chamber – supports the event each year. EMMN connects manufacturers across the region with the aim of fostering innovation, driving growth and promoting collaboration.
Specialised Canvas welcomed Year 12 students from Netherthorpe School to its Chesterfield manufacturing facility
During their visit, the Netherthorpe School students were given a full tour of the Specialised Canvas production facility, seeing at first hand the technology, equipment and skills involved in large-format printing, cutting, finishing and fabrication.
The students then took part in two practical challenges designed to demonstrate both the commercial and creative aspects of manufacturing.
Specialised Canvas Managing Director Paul Noble said: “National Manufacturing Day is a great opportunity to show young people what manufacturing actually looks like today. It is increasingly technology-led, creative and highly skilled, but there is no substitute for allowing students to come into a factory and experience that environment for themselves.
“We have supported National Manufacturing Day from the beginning, and four years on it is fantastic to see the initiative continuing to grow. The students from Netherthorpe approached both challenges with real enthusiasm, and there were some excellent ideas among the finished projects.
“Manufacturers need to engage with the next generation if we are going to develop the skills our industry will need in the future. Days like this allow students to see the combination of design, technology, engineering, production, and sustainability that goes into modern manufacturing.”
ITP Aero UK welcomed 30 T Level Engineering students from Nottingham College to its Hucknall site, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the world of aerospace manufacturing and the exciting career opportunities available within the sector.
Throughout the day, students learned about ITP Aero’s role in the design, development and manufacturing of aeroengines, explored early career opportunities in engineering and manufacturing, and toured the factory to see advanced aerospace production in action.
ITP Aero UK Managing Director Ian Williamson said: “National Manufacturing Day is a fantastic opportunity to open our doors and showcase the exciting careers available in aerospace. The students from Nottingham College were engaged, inquisitive and enthusiastic throughout the day. Their interest, thoughtful questions and passion for learning were inspiring to see.
“We have no doubt that amongst this group are some of the engineers who will help shape the future of manufacturing and aerospace in the years ahead.”
