Rotherham's AMRC inspiring the next generation of engineers...

The University of Sheffield AMRC welcomed students from Rotherham to an event at it's Factory 2050 run by Make UK, as part of National Manufacturing Day. Year 11 students from Wales High School learned about McLaren cars from senior specialist, materials engineer Tom Batho.

MCLAREN show cars were among the eye-catching features as the AMRC hosted 150 guests for National Manufacturing Day.

Engineers brought Factory 2050 to life with augmented reality, robotics and other cutting-edge technologies.

The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre hopes the event will inspire more youngsters to pursue careers in the sector.

Chief executive Steve Foxley said: “National Manufacturing Day provides us with a fantastic opportunity to show people around our facilities and give an insight into what we do and what’s going on in advanced manufacturing and engineering.

“This event, in partnership with Make UK, really is all about young people, our future engineers that have come through the doors. I genuinely love days like this and I hope it has helped to spark their imagination and interest in this industry, that they have learned something new and there has been an area of interest they have seen that starts a fire in their belly.”

Boeing engineer Chris Bellamy said: “Events like these are really important as they bring to life the endless possibilities available in a career in manufacturing.

“I hope we have inspired at least one or two people and I think it’s important for them to know that companies like Boeing are here in the local area.”

Pupil Ruben Mobbs, from Astrea Academy Dearne in Goldthorpe, said: “I have a massive interest in engineering and would love to go down this route.

“Attending this event has been really valuable as it’s an environment that I have never had the opportunity to see before, so I am very pleased we were able to come along.”

Adrian Burgoyne, design and technology technician at Wingfield Academy, said: “This event has been a really enlightening day and all of the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The facilities here are amazing and we’ve all certainly learned something.

“To see this sort of technology and advancement is not a very common thing they are able to see and it has been an unforgettable experience.

“For this age group to see engineering in action, it gives them a real idea of what the industry is like and gets the interest in their minds. It was definitely our highlight of the week.”