Each day The Manufacturer compiles the top manufacturing news stories from around the web. To make your life a little easier, we trawl through all the major trade publications, broadsheets and business magazines to find you the most important manufacturing news each morning. Don't forget to bookmark this page and check back daily.
EngineeringUK launches climate schools programme
To coincide with Green Careers Week and Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, EngineeringUK has announced it’s launching a brand-new pilot programme for schools – designed to help students explore solutions to tackling climate change and discover how engineers and engineering and technology are a key part of this.
Overcoming the fact that engineering doesn’t feature highly on school curriculums, the EngineeringUK pilot programme will test a unique all-school, cross-curricular approach. Teacher-led science, geography and English lessons are on offer that not only align with each nation’s curriculum but also inspire students to explore green engineering careers and tackle climate change head-on. There are also Climate Action theme packs available that support existing extra-curricular clubs or new Climate Action Clubs. More via The Manufacturer
Hundreds of pro-Palestine activists blockade BAE Systems factory in Kent
Hundreds of pro-Palestine activists have blockaded weapons manufacturer BAE Systems’ factory in Kent to protest Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
Activists descended on the site in Chatham, Rochester, about 7.00am on Friday and blocked its two entrances as part of an international day of action called for by trade unions to “end complicity in Israel’s war crimes.”
An organiser said that more than 400 trade unionists are involved in the action at the site, which they claim provides components for military aircraft being used in the bombardment of Gaza.
BAE Systems said it is “horrified by the situation in Israel and Gaza,” adding: “We operate under the tightest regulation and comply fully with all applicable defence export controls, which are subject to ongoing assessment.” More via The Standard
East Midlands manufacturer awarded £3m contract to fit out one of UK’s first Passivhaus secondary schools
Mansfield-based Deanestor has been awarded another major contract in the education sector – a project worth over £3m to fit out the new 1,600-place Perth High School.
The school is one of the first secondary schools in the UK to be built to Passivhaus standards.
This will be Deanestor’s 14th contract for Robertson Construction and it follows its successful completion of a number of school projects in Scotland. More via East Midlands Business Link
UK manufacturers urged to tap into vital skills of retiring workforce
As the sun sets on the careers of many skilled manufacturing professionals in the United Kingdom, Metal Craft Industries is championing a nationwide call to action. The firm is urging manufacturers to harness the invaluable skills and experience of vital manufacturing workers who are on the verge of retirement before they exit the industry.
In a sector known for its intricacies and exacting standards, the expertise of veteran craftsmen and craftswomen is indispensable. As the UK manufacturing landscape seeks to develop and inspire the next generation, there is a golden opportunity to tap into the knowledge that’s been honed over decades of service. More via The Manufacturer
Return of Made in Chesterfield to inspire the next generation of manufacturers and engineers
A campaign which aims to close skills gaps in Chesterfield by providing young people with tours of leading manufacturing, engineering and construction businesses is returning for the tenth time.
Made in Chesterfield has already introduced more than 3,600 young people to the prospect of a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) sectors, with more set to gain valuable insights this November.
The campaign, coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership and sponsored by Chesterfield College, was officially launched at a celebration event alongside the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions on (Wednesday 8 November). More via Chesterfield News
New Welsh Export Champions announced by UK Government
Nine new Export Champions for Wales have been announced by the UK Government at the start of International Trade Week 2023.
Representing key sectors in the Welsh economy including manufacturing, AI and FinTech, the new Export Champions will promote the benefits of exporting and encourage other companies across Wales to consider selling to overseas markets.
This will be done by taking part in trade events, sharing their exporting stories with those in their sector and providing advice to other businesses about how to break into new markets abroad. More via GOV UK
Advanced manufacturing institute unveils £6m expansion
The UK’s first ‘Faculty on the Factory Floor’ has unveiled a £6m expansion that will aim to boost industry’s journey towards a clean, sustainable, and digital world.
Coventry University’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), which was originally born out of a collaboration with Unipart Manufacturing in 2014, relaunched yesterday at a special event that attracted over 200 domestic and international guests. More via Production Engineering Solutions
Nottingham innovation project selected for international competition
A collaborative innovation project involving the University of Nottingham, which aims to create a portable facility that can convert waste into chemicals to be used to build medical devices, has been awarded €1.5m as part of an international competition.
The SPRIND Challenge ‘Circular Biomanufacturing’ is a three-year competition hosted by the Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation in Germany. More than 50 groups applied from across the globe, with eight being selected for the first stage to develop novel bioprocessing techniques that will contribute to a circular economy. More via The Manufacturer
