.svg){kind=small}
Aldermans News
.svg){kind=small}
(0)1752 201200
Aldermans successfully welcomed 30 students and 5 teachers to our facility on 25th September for National Manufacturing Day 2025, continuing our commitment to inspiring the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
Students from City College Plymouth, UTC Plymouth and Discovery College (part of YMCA Plymouth) experienced a behind-the-scenes look at modern manufacturing, with hands-on demonstrations and interactive challenges that brought engineering to life.
A Day of Innovation and Competition
The day proved to be a resounding success, with the Augmented Reality Welding demonstration and challenge being a highlight. Students gained practical experience with cutting-edge technology, competing against each other to achieve the best welding results using AR simulation equipment.
The excitement carried on the shop floor, where visitors observed welding in action at our robotic weld cell. Watching advanced manufacturing technology in operation in a real production setting gave students a genuine understanding of the sophisticated processes that drive modern UK manufacturing.
Special Guests Join the Celebration
We were delighted to welcome two local MPs, Fred Thomas MP and Rebecca Smith MP, who participated in the activities and showed their backing for Plymouth’s thriving manufacturing sector.
Karen Friendship, Managing Director of Aldermans, said: “We have had such fun, welcoming students from City College Plymouth, UTC Plymouth and YMCA Plymouth Discover College to our facility for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at modern manufacturing. There was great competition in our AR welding challenge and plane building exercise, and even our local MPs, Fred Thomas MP and Rebecca Smith MP, were reaching the top of the leaderboard. Such great support for our Manufacturing City of Plymouth. Thank you!”
Positive Feedback and Looking Ahead
The feedback from students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive, with many surprised by the level of technology and innovation in modern manufacturing, describing it as “such a well organised event for our students. Very valuable for them.” The practical activities, especially the AR welding challenge, helped break down preconceptions about manufacturing careers and highlighted the exciting opportunities in the sector. Survey results echoed this enthusiasm, with 96% of students stating that the event had encouraged them to consider a career in STEM and that they had gained new skills or knowledge from the day.
National Manufacturing Day continues to play a vital role in connecting young people with local businesses and highlighting the career opportunities available in engineering and manufacturing. For Aldermans, events like this strengthen our commitment to supporting the local community and helping to shape Plymouth’s future workforce.
We would also like to thank our suppliers for generously supporting the event with gifts and stationery for student goodie bags, including Craig Letty, Rolf Coates, James Stevens, Ben Mogford, Richard Osborne, Devon Contract Waste and Righton Blackburns Limited.
We are already looking forward to welcoming even more students to the next National Manufacturing Day on Thursday, 25th September 2026 and continuing to inspire Plymouth’s future engineers and makers.
About National Manufacturing Day
National Manufacturing Day is a yearly event organised by Make UK to celebrate the UK’s manufacturing excellence and highlight the diverse career opportunities within the sector. The event involves manufacturing companies across the country opening their doors to local communities, schools, and colleges, offering valuable insights into the businesses operating locally.
To find out more about National Manufacturing Day, visit www.nationalmanufacturingday.org
About Aldermans
Aldermans is a key supply partner and subcontractor specialising in metal fabrication for many of the UK’s leading manufacturers, producing a range of components for diverse applications, including automotive and railway parts, as well as components for specialist seating and secure data cabinets and enclosures. Located in Plymouth, South West, Aldermans employs 50 highly skilled staff and has been a UK manufacturing leader since 1969.
