STEM Programme

Manufacturers & Engineers of the Future

The STEM Programme at Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 is designed to inspire young minds and position the manufacturing industry as an exciting, accessible, and essential part of the future economy.

The STEM Programme at Smart Manufacturing Week is sponsored by:

fanuc

With rapid technological advancements and widening skills gaps, it is more important than ever to engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This programme provides young people with direct access to industry leaders, hands-on experiences, and real-world insights, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to pursue rewarding careers in manufacturing and engineering.

By introducing students to cutting-edge advancements and opportunities in manufacturing and engineering, the programme aims to:

  • Promote STEM Careers – Spark curiosity and encourage students to explore careers in manufacturing and engineering, addressing future skills shortages.

  • Enhance Practical Learning – Offer interactive workshops and hands-on activities that bring STEM concepts to life, complementing traditional education.

  • Build Industry Connections – Create pathways between students, educators, and industry professionals to foster mentorship and highlight the role of STEM in shaping the future.

  • Champion Diversity & Inclusion – Support equal opportunities for all, with a particular focus on increasing female participation.

  • Align with Government Priorities – Support key national strategies, including:

    • STEM Education & Skills Development – Addressing workforce shortages in critical sectors like manufacturing and technology.

    • Levelling Up Agenda – Ensuring equal career opportunities across all regions of the UK.

    • Industrial Strategy & Innovation – Encouraging students to explore careers in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.

    • Net Zero & Sustainability Goals – Showcasing how STEM careers can contribute to achieving Net Zero by 2050.

    • National Careers Strategy – Providing real-world career insights to inspire future choices.

Why Attend Smart Manufacturing Week?

Why Attend Smart Manufacturing Week?

Smart Manufacturing Week is the UK’s largest festival of advanced manufacturing and engineering, attracting over 13,500 manufacturers, engineers, and technology leaders. The event brings together cutting-edge content, influential speakers, hands-on experiences, and some of the biggest brands in the sector.

Attendees can:

✔ Explore the future of the manufacturing and engineering industry under one roof.
✔ Discover world-leading technologies from global brands and innovative SMEs.
✔ Learn about training, development, and career opportunities in the UK’s second-largest sector.
✔ Participate in interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and competitions.

Who Should Attend?

Who Should Attend?

Students (Year 10, 11, 12, 13 & University/College Level)

A unique opportunity to explore STEM careers before making important study and career decisions.

Educators & Schools
  • Enhance curriculum learning with practical STEM experiences.

  • Connect with industry leaders to explore future collaboration opportunities.

Parents & Guardians

Learn about career paths, apprenticeships, and degree programmes to support informed career choices for students.

STEM Programme Highlights – June 5, 2025 (12-4 PM)

Inspiring Speaker Sessions & Young People Panel

Hear from young professionals who have taken different routes into manufacturing and engineering, sharing their career journeys and advice for future talent.

Hands-On Workshops & Competitions
  • Coventry University Hydrogen Power Workshop – Students will build hydrogen power cells and use them to power a working model car.

  • WorldSkills UK Industrial Robotics Competition – Teams will compete to program and operate industrial robots in a real-world challenge.

    After the competition, attendees can try programming a FANUC robot with expert guidance.

Best of British Showcase
  • A celebration of British manufacturing excellence, featuring world-class designs, innovative products, and export success stories.

Apprenticeship & Careers Opportunities
  • Lisi Aerospace – Showcasing career pathways in the manufacturing sector.

  • NiftyLift: Apprentice Automation Challenge Winners – A live demonstration from the top team.

  • Meet the Apprentices – Exhibitors will bring apprentices to share first-hand experiences of their training and career progression.

For graduate-level students, we will also highlight career opportunities, graduate schemes, and job vacancies with key exhibitors.

Event Details

📅 Date: June 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Smart Manufacturing Week 2025, Hall 5, NEC Birmingham 

🔍 Event Trail & Map: A dedicated guide will highlight key exhibitors, STEM-focused features, and companies offering apprenticeships and job opportunities.

Join us in shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering by inspiring the next generation of talent!

IMechE Automation Challenge

IMechE Automation Challenge

Witness the winning team from the Apprentice Automation Challenge exhibit their innovative project at the show. This collaboration with The Manufacturer highlights the exceptional talent emerging in automation.

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FANUC WorldSkills Qualifiers

FANUC WorldSkills Qualifiers

Taking place at the show is an amazing opportunity for young people to compete and find their passion in the world of robotics.

WorldSkills UK is an independent charity and a partnership between employers, education, and governments. Together, they are raising standards in apprenticeships and technical education to enable more young people get the best start in work and life.

They are working with FANUC to host qualifiers for this year's Industrial Robotics competition at Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week!

Find out more

 

2025 Solution Theatres 

2025 Solution Theatres 

Gain crucial insights by attending our education programme across our two conferences and six solution theatres, packed with key insights and knowledge to grow your skillset. 

LEARN MORE

Guitar Legends

Guitar Legends

Get ready to showcase your guitar talents to the world! Play a classic intro to a song in our recording booth and be in with a chance to win a bespoke 3D printed guitar!

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Best of British Showcase

Join us in a celebration of domestic manufacturing, featuring world-beating new designs, innovative modes of manufacture, products that redefine categories, and export successes that plant the flag in overseas markets. 

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A True Festival Experience

Fun

festval1

Immersive

festival 2

Memorable

Festival 3

REGISTER YOUR FREE PASS AND JOIN THE FUTURE OF SMART MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING

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