Siemens has opened the doors to its factories and sites for National Manufacturing Day 2025, engaging with over 260 students from a range of schools across the UK to explore the future of industry and the transformative power of technology.
As part of the Make UK-led initiative, the global technology company hosted events at multiple locations, including inviting 23 students to its factory in Hebburn in South Tyneside. The pupils from Boldon School, St Joseph’s and Hebburn Comprehensive were given a first-hand look at the career opportunities available in modern manufacturing with Siemens aiming to spark in interest in STEM-related subjects and careers.
Its Congleton site was also involved, sending experts to deliver sessions to over 200 students at the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Institute of Technology.
The programme offered hands-on experiences, factory tours and interactive demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies such as digital twins, industrial AI and energy simulation platforms.
Additionally, Siemens partnered with the School Outreach Company to deliver a manufacturing webinar, engaging virtually with nine secondary schools and colleges.
Over in Goole, the Siemens Mobility team partnered with Make UK and The Work-Wise Foundation to welcome groups of school children for a factory tour. The students had the opportunity to witness first-hand the production of the new Piccadilly Line trains and explore the components facility, where train components from across the country are serviced.
The 42 students from Doncaster UTC, Vale Academy, and Withernsea High School also took part in engaging STEM activities and attended talks on business and career opportunities. These sessions were designed to help them better understand the pathways into STEM careers and how they can access future opportunities in the industry.
Brian Holliday, Managing Director at Siemens in the UK and Ireland, said: “Manufacturing is one of the UK’s most valuable sectors, contributing £220 billion to the economy and employing 2.6 million people. It’s a career that pays 8% more than the national average and offers the chance to work with technologies that are reshaping the world. However, we need a workforce that’s digitally fluent, curious and ready to lead change if we are to capitalise on the technologies transforming industry and make the UK’s Industrial Strategy a success.
“This is why initiatives like National Manufacturing Day are so important as we look to address some of the UK manufacturing industry’s most pressing challenges, including the growing skills gap and the need to boost future productivity. By opening our doors, we’re doing our bit to demystify modern manufacturing, challenge outdated perceptions and show how technology is driving a new era of innovation and opportunity across the sector.”
Ben Fletcher, COO of Make UK added: “National Manufacturing Day has been extremely powerful if showcasing the wonderful career opportunities available in this diverse sector. In past years, people of all ages and stages in their careers have taken the chance to come along and have a look to see what we do, and this interest has translated into them taking up manufacturing roles, a career choice they would probably not have had the chance to investigate properly before.
“Literally hundreds of companies across the country are open up to schools, colleges and local communities in what is now a burgeoning day of celebration. I could not be more proud of the initiative and cannot thank Britain’s manufacturers enough for making it the success it is today.”
National Manufacturing Day is a UK-wide initiative designed to celebrate the innovation, talent and impact of the manufacturing sector. First launched in 2022, the day invites manufacturers to open their doors to schools, colleges and local communities, offering a behind-the-scenes look at modern industry.
The aim is to inspire the next generation of makers by showcasing the breadth of career opportunities available, from robotics and digital design to sustainable production and advanced engineering. It also provides a platform for employees to share their achievements and for jobseekers to explore retraining pathways into the sector.
The initiative also champions the diversity and breadth of UK manufacturing, from global leaders to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are the backbone of local economies and vital contributors to national growth. These businesses play a crucial role in creating jobs, fostering innovation, and sustaining communities across the country.
In 2024, over 250 companies participated in National Manufacturing Day, hosting thousands of visitors across the country. With even more expected in 2025, the initiative continues to grow as a cornerstone of outreach and engagement for UK manufacturing.
