Interview: Time to inspire

Despite Brexit and economic uncertainty, engineering and manufacturing remains a cornerstone of UK GDP. Engineers are in high demand, especially due to an ageing population, with many experienced workers set to retire in the coming years. We spoke with James Selka, CEO of the MTA, to discuss encouraging the next generation of talent to join the UK engineering and manufacturing industries.

“For many years we have invested heavily in ensuring that MACH exhibitions are not just a great platform for doing business, but also a great opportunity to highlight to students the exciting career opportunities within our sector. At MACH 2022 we are delighted to be hosting a number of exciting features within the dedicated Education & Development (E&D) Zone, including the Mars Rover, F1 in Schools and the World Skills competition.

As with previous MACH shows, we wish to encourage high numbers of students to visit the show and, away from the E&D Zone, we will again operate a system of guided tours to control the flow of these young visitors, with daily numbers capped to ensure an even spread throughout the week. There are lots of exhibitors to see and activities to take part in in the E&D zone, including our dedicated careers seminar theatre.”

2022 matters

“This year is more important than ever. With 4 years since our previous event, the Manufacturing Technology industry has a lot of time to further develop cutting edge technology. At MACH 2022 you will see a real step change in innovation as more companies are starting to exploit the potential of digital technologies in new and exciting ways. What you will see at MACH 2022 is high tech, fast paced, continually innovating industry, who offer careers which can literally take you all over the world.

How can we help?

“The wider manufacturing community can help us by contacting local schools and colleges to generate awareness of MACH and the Education Zone. We must all take responsibility for the future of our sector and MACH 2022 provides us all with the perfect opportunity to do that. If companies want to offer further support, please reach out to the MTA to see how you can be more engaged, with either our MACH E&D zone or in the other outreach activities we undertake.”

The MTA announces an Apprenticeship Jobs Board. Developed in conjunction with the Design and Technology Association, the MTA Apprenticeship Jobs Board, allows MTA members to create a company profile and upload apprenticeship job vacancies. Vacancies are then promoted within the Design and Technology network, adverts go to straight to schools and colleges around the UK enabling teachers to promote to students.