Advanced Engineering Launches ‘Unsung Heroes in Manufacturing’ initiative 

New online directory connecting talent with industry leaders

The UK’s annual engineering and manufacturing exhibition, Advanced Engineering UK is launching its new ‘Unsung Heroes in Manufacturing’ initiative, recognising the individuals making a real impact across the sector admist the ongoing skills gap. A new online directory will profile these inspiring figures, providing emerging engineering talent easier access to role models and real-world insight, strengthening connections between industry leaders and aspiring engineering talent ahead of Advanced Engineering 2025, held at the NEC, Birmingham on 29–30 October. 

The ‘Unsung Heroes in Manufacturing’ initiative forms the latest phase of Advanced Engineering’s wider #MINDTHEskillsGAP campaign, which calls for closer collaboration between industry leaders and policymakers to develop long-term solutions for securing the next generation of engineering talent. 

With recent data showing that 75 per cent of UK manufacturers cite skills shortages as a key barrier to growth, the new initiative refocuses attention on the people driving progress from within. By celebrating those going above and beyond across engineering and manufacturing, through mentoring, training and advocacy, it shares the value of lived experience to inspire the next generation.

As a result, the ‘Unsung Heroes in Manufacturing’ initiative sees the creation of a searchable online library of industry experts, to be hosted on the Advanced Engineering website. This hub provides easier access to the real-world voices shaping the sector from the ground up, while reflecting the full spectrum of manufacturing and engineering expertise — and help amplify it across new platforms.

Nominations for the campaign will open later this month, with industry professionals encouraged to put forward colleagues, mentors or partners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to skills, mentoring or sector-wide advocacy. Submissions will provide a new route to connect heroes with new opportunities, from panel discussions to networking and cross-sector collaboration.

“Unsung Heroes in Manufacturing is about recognising the people behind the progress,” said Simon Farnfield, event director for Advanced Engineering. “Our sector is full of unsung leaders driving change, whether that’s through mentoring apprentices, pushing for skills investment or championing inclusion. Therefore, we’ve designed this initiative to make their voices louder and help their impact go further, particularly for the upcoming engineering talent and showing them what this industry is all about.”

The campaign will run throughout the summer and into the build-up to Advanced Engineering 2025, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 29–30 October, with the first wave of nominations and digital profiles set to go live in early June.

To experience the best of UK engineering and manufacturing innovation, book your stand at www.advancedengineeringuk.com and make an enquiry. 

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