West Midlands students enjoy engineering tour on National Manufacturing Day
Published: 02 October, 2023
On 28th September, National Manufacturing Day, local youngsters enjoyed a factory visit with a Fort Dunlop-based manufacturer today as they considered careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sector.
Precision Micro, a worldwide provider of chemically etched components welcomed twenty students from Plantsbrook Academy in Sutton Coldfield and Castle Vale’s Greenwood Academy as the business encouraged school leavers to consider STEM careers. Chemical etching is a machining process which uses acids to create highly accurate metal components for many sectors including electric vehicles, renewable energy, and electric aircraft.
During the tour, students learned about manufacturing process, how factories operate, and also had the opportunity to speak with employees in different areas of business about their own experiences working in the engineering industry. Led by current and former Precision Micro apprentices, the business hoped to inspire pupils and educate them about the roles available beyond education.
Last month, Precision Micro also welcomed four new members to its apprenticeship programme which has been running for over 30 years. The four-year programme, which received a record number of applicants thanks to Precision Micro’s ongoing work with local schools, colleges and universities, is open to students between the ages of 16 and 21 and provides holistic and skills-based experiences across the business.
Nikki Squire, HR Manager at Precision Micro, said: “We take our role in the community seriously and see real importance in showcasing the rewarding career opportunities available in the manufacturing sector to the next generation. The Midlands has always been a melting pot of engineering talent and contributes greatly to our local economy so initiatives like today’s National Manufacturing Day factory tour are key to changing young peoples’ perspective of the opportunities available to them within the region.”
Sarah Dullea, Career’s Lead at Plantsbrook School, said: “The local manufacturing sector presents a significant opportunity for our school leavers so it’s important that we maintain strong relationships with local businesses. These partnerships are crucial to giving our pupils a real-world view of the possibilities beyond education and help them to realise the skills they need to flourish within their chosen sector.”
Claire Hughes, Transition Manager, Greenwood Academy: “Our students were highly engaged with today’s factory tour at Precision Micro. They got the chance to learn about the different roles across the company and speak with people within the manufacturing sector. Opportunities like this can be critical for young people when making choices about the first stage of their career pathway.”
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