The recent launch event for the West Midlands Manufacturing Festival drew a packed audience of industry leaders, educators and aspiring engineers to Aston University’s Engineering Academy, for an evening focused on collaboration, skills development and the future of the manufacturing sector.
With Aston University generously providing the venue and hospitality, the event showcased why cross-sector partnerships are vital to tackling the skills gap. Festival sponsors Enginuity, Wagstaff Recruitment, Vanguard Foundry and Next Gen Makers joined a variety of speakers on the stage, sharing their perspectives on workforce development, emerging talent pipelines and the changing expectations of young people entering manufacturing careers.
Aston University students provided a standout moment of the evening, taking to the stage to discuss their enthusiasm for engineering and what manufacturers can do to inspire the next generation.
Director of Engineering, Karen Byng, also led a lively discussion on how academies such as Aston University Engineering Academy can accelerate real-world projects for manufacturers while giving learners essential hands-on experience.
Expertly hosted by Engineers Insight Co-Founder, Tom Flude, the event underscored an important message: that the clock is ticking for the manufacturing sector, but when innovators, educators and manufacturers work together, the skills gap can be overcome.
Manufacturers who are interested in securing their future can take part in the first West Midlands Manufacturing Festival, which will connect them directly with Year 9 students, helping them to raise their profile and build their future talent pipeline.
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