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700+
Young Minds
to Inspire

12 Schools

35 Manufacturers

12 Schools • 35 Manufacturers

Connecting local manufacturers with the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent
UK manufacturing is facing a growing skills gap

A large part of the manufacturing workforce is approaching retirement, creating an urgent need for the next generation of skilled talent.

Manufacturing and engineering have long been at the heart of the UK economy, driving innovation, productivity, and growth. But without more young people entering the sector, that future is at risk.

Exhibitor and student looking at scalextric Exhibitor and student looking at scalextric
This is where YOU come in

Engaging young people has never been more important. Modern manufacturing is innovative, high-tech, creative, and full of opportunity — yet outdated perceptions still stop many students from considering it as a career.

By giving young people real-world experiences and direct access to industry, we can help inspire the next generation of engineers, makers, and manufacturers.

Inspiring the future of manufacturing

UK Manufacturing Festivals bring together manufacturers, educators, and young people to showcase the exciting opportunities within the sector.

We currently deliver two successful Manufacturing Festivals each year in Telford and Sandwell, connecting local industry with schools and young people across the region.

Each festival is a high-impact, one-day event designed to inspire future talent, challenge perceptions, and highlight the wide range of careers available in manufacturing and engineering.

Find a Festival

See how your business can inspire the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Shropshire & Telford
Manufacturing Festival

Exhibitor showing different materials to a student

24th November 2026

SEAH Stadium, Telford, TF1 2NW

West Midlands
Manufacturing Festival

Exhibitor showing student how to use machine

4th March 2027

The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, B71 4LF

From hands-on activities to live demonstrations, Manufacturing Festivals help YOU to connect with young people in memorable and meaningful ways.

Promote your manufacturing business and showcase your skills

Discover opportunities to work with schools and secure your future talent

Entice young minds and fresh thinking into your business

Showcase innovative new technologies, products and services.

Raise awareness of the incredible work done by UK manufacturers

You can't be what you can't see

Group of students working together on an engineering project

It's a phrase we hear time and time again when talking about young people and their future careers. In manufacturing and engineering - an industry filled with innovation, opportunity and growth - too many students simply don't know what's out there.

No wonder we have a skills shortage!

Show them what's possible

Student operating a copper coil scientific demonstration

Join us as an exhibitor or sponsor - and help us to inspire the next generation through interactive, hands-on displays that bring the world of engineering and manufacturing to life.

Together we can close the skills gap and build a more inclusive, accessible future for our manufacturing industry in the West Midlands.

Step up, show up, make a difference

Students talking to staff at an exhibition stand

Join our Manufacturing Festival and help students see the real people behind the industry. A few hours of your time could spark a future career.

Get involved today - because you might just be the reason a young person says, "That's who I want to be."

Ready to build your future workforce?

Join us as a sponsor or exhibitor and inspire the next generation of manufacturers and engineers.

  • Direct Access: Engage with 700+ local students
  • Brand Visibility: Showcase your business and innovation
  • Talent Pipeline: Promote careers within your organisation
  • Meaningful Interactions: Help shape future talent in your region

Get Involved

Contact Us

Our Next Event

SEAH Stadium Bucks Way, Shropshire, TF1 2TU

Festival News & Updates

7th May 2026

Exciting news! 🤝

We've joined forces with Telford Together, a collaboration of Telford & Wrekin Council, Harper Adams University and Telford College.

Their vision to strengthen and co-ordinate engagement between local schools and businesses perfectly aligns with what we're hoping to achieve with our upcoming Shropshire & Telford Manufacturing Festival, and we're thrilled to be working in partnership with them.

"Manufacturing is a vital part of Telford and Wrekin's identity and future, and this event will give young people the chance to see first-hand the exciting careers and opportunities it can offer.

By bringing schools and businesses together through Telford Together, and working with partners such as UK Manufacturing Festivals, we're helping to inspire ambition, build confidence and create clearer pathways from education into local jobs."

Councillor Shirley Reynolds

Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, Learning, Employment & Skills

20th April 2026

It's Official! 🎉

On the 24th November, we'll be hosting the Shropshire and Telford Manufacturing Festival, bringing together over 700 students from local schools with some of the region's most outstanding and diverse manufacturers.

This event is all about showcasing the exciting and varied career opportunities within the manufacturing industry, helping young people see what's possible and connect directly with employers.

Following the huge success of the West Midlands Manufacturing Festival, which has already helped place ambitious young people into manufacturing apprenticeships, we're proud to be bringing that momentum to Shropshire.

Join us, and together, we'll inspire the next generation of talent and strengthen the future of manufacturing across the region.

5th March 2026

What an amazing day! 🙌

Last Thursday we delivered the West Midlands Manufacturing Festival — and what a day it was.

Bringing together manufacturers, educators, partners and young people from across the region, the event was all about showcasing the very best of our sector — the innovation, the opportunity and, most importantly, the people behind it.

Seeing the conversations taking place with the students and the genuine excitement about careers in manufacturing is exactly why we created this festival. Our industry has an incredible story to tell, and it was fantastic to see so many organisations step up to help tell it.

A huge thank you to every exhibitor, sponsor, supporter, partner and volunteer who made it happen. Events like this are never a solo effort — they're powered by collaboration.

Our Sponsors

Our Supporters

Our Partners

Our Mission

To make careers in engineering and manufacturing more visible, accessible, and exciting to young people—especially those in our local communities.

These events are designed to be interactive, inclusive, and inspiring, creating real-world connections between students and the engineers and manufacturers shaping tomorrow's innovations.

We believe there is a place for everyone in Manufacturing.