Make UK

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Make UK Make UK is the voice of UK manufacturing. We help businesses thrive, connect, and shape the industry of tomorrow.

EEF is dedicated to the future of manufacturing. Everything we do is designed to help manufacturing businesses evolve, innovate and compete in a fast-changing world. Our apprentices and skills service is committed to finding and training the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent to provide businesses with the skilled workers they need for the future.

22/10/2026

HR isn't always going to be there when a trade union approaches your business.

If you operate across different sites or shifts, who would deal with an approach when HR isn't available?

Site managers, duty managers and other leaders don't need to become trade union experts. They need to know the first step and who to contact.

Jenny Rimell explains how businesses can keep the response clear and practical.

Find out how we can help your business prepare: https://brnw.ch/21x6Ax3

20/10/2026

A trade union access request lands in the MD's inbox. Can the business simply ignore it?

No. And with a limited time to respond, the people who receive a request need to know what happens next.

Who receives it? Who needs to be told? Who owns the response?

Employment lawyer Jonathan Young explains why having a clear process in place before a request arrives matters.

Find out how we can help your business prepare:
https://brnw.ch/21x6xlR

15/10/2026

You know the trade union changes are coming. But where do you actually start?

Jenny Rimell recommends focusing on three things: Policy. Process. People.

Your business needs to know how a request will be handled, who owns the response and whether the people who could receive one know what to do.

Jenny explains what HR can start putting in place now.

Find out how we can help your business prepare: https://brnw.ch/21x6qhF

13/10/2026

"We don't recognise a union, so this doesn't affect us."

Would your managers make the same assumption?

The new trade union access rights take effect on 30 October and could affect businesses without a recognised union or an existing relationship with one.

Jonathan Young explains why non-unionised employers need to understand what could happen before the first request arrives.

Find out how we can help your business prepare: https://brnw.ch/21x6mxA

18/09/2026

What a week at the Make UK Technology Hub!

We’ve welcomed 100s of new starters to the Tech Hub this week, making it one of the most exciting and vibrant weeks of the year!

From day one, there’s been a real buzz across the Hub as our new apprentices have got stuck into learning, meeting new people and working collaboratively with their peers.

It’s fantastic to see new relationships forming, confidence growing, and the next generation of manufacturing talent taking their first steps into their careers.

We can’t wait to see what they achieve!

Missed the September intake? There’s still an opportunity to start your apprenticeship journey, with our next cohort starting in November.

And for employers, from 1 October 2026, eligible businesses could receive a £2,000 hiring payment when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16–24, with some circumstances allowing for up to £5,000 in total support.

Could an apprentice be the next addition to your team?

Find out more about Make UK apprenticeships: https://brnw.ch/21x5N1T

10/09/2026

Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting step, but there’s a lot to take in during those first few days.

Here at Make UK, your first week is about getting settled, meeting the people around you, understanding how your apprenticeship works, and starting to build the foundations for your training.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Getting to know Make UK
You’ll meet your tutors, training team and fellow apprentices, get to know the Technology Hub, and understand what’s expected of you as an apprentice.

2. Understanding safety
Health and safety is at the heart of engineering and manufacturing. You’ll learn about safe working practices, PPE, emergency procedures and how to report hazards and concerns.

3. Finding your feet in the workshop
You’ll get familiar with the workshop environment, equipment and housekeeping standards, including demonstrations of how to work safely and professionally in practical areas.

4. Starting to build your technical skills
From using measuring equipment such as verniers and micrometres to understanding basic engineering drawings and systems, you’ll begin developing the foundations you’ll build on throughout your apprenticeship.

5. Understanding your journey
You’ll learn how your apprenticeship is structured, how your progress will be supported and reviewed, and what you can expect throughout your programme.

6. Getting the support you need
Everyone learns differently. You’ll start to understand your own strengths and development areas, as well as the support available to help you succeed.

Your first week is just the beginning, but it’s the start of building the skills, knowledge and confidence for your future career.

Find out more about apprenticeships with Make UK: https://brnw.ch/21x5AAI

What can one week in work experience do? For Year 10 student Areeba Adil, it opened the door to a future in engineering....
20/08/2026

What can one week in work experience do?

For Year 10 student Areeba Adil, it opened the door to a future in engineering.

During her week at Make UK’s Technology Hub, based in Aston, Areeba had hands-on experience across welding, CAD design, robotics, electrical control systems, along with getting involved in a manufacturing improvement challenge.

Working as part of a team, she helped reduce the assembly time of a garden cart from 15 minutes to just 3 minutes 28 seconds.

The placement taught her more than just technical skills; it showed her that engineering is about creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and continuous improvement.

"Work experience at Make UK really introduced me to the engineering world, along with helping build teamwork and problem-solving skills."

Read Areeba’s full story and discover how work experience is helping inspire the next generation of engineers here: https://brnw.ch/21x54ET

📸 Today is World Photography Day, a celebration of photography's power to tell stories, challenge perceptions and captur...
19/08/2026

📸 Today is World Photography Day, a celebration of photography's power to tell stories, challenge perceptions and capture moments that matter.

Few stories are more important, or less often seen, than those of UK manufacturing.

The train that gets us to work. The medicines that save lives. The food on our shelves. The technologies shaping the future.

Behind every one of them is a manufacturing story.
Yet too often those stories go unseen.

That's why we're re-launching the Make UK Photography Competition.

We're inviting manufacturers, photographers and the public to help create what could become the UK's largest collection of modern manufacturing photography.

From the people and innovations behind industry to the unexpected beauty found in manufacturing environments, we want the images that show what UK manufacturing really looks like.

And there's never been a better time to get involved.
On 24 September, manufacturers across the UK will open their doors for National Manufacturing Day, giving communities, schools and future talent a rare chance to see behind the scenes.

From factory floors and production lines to workshops, laboratories and design studios, it's the perfect opportunity to capture the stories that deserve to be seen.

🗓 Entries open on 26 August but you can find out more about categories and tips for entering on our website at https://brnw.ch/21x53cf

Help us tell the story of modern manufacturing.
Help us show the world what's possible.

Thinking about your next step after school? Don't miss this deadline. If you're looking for a career where you can earn,...
18/08/2026

Thinking about your next step after school? Don't miss this deadline.

If you're looking for a career where you can earn, learn and gain real-world experience, an apprenticeship could be the route for you.

Apprenticeships allow you to develop practical skills, work alongside experienced professionals and gain qualifications while getting paid.

Whether you're interested in engineering, manufacturing, digital technology, mechatronics or technical roles, there are different pathways to explore.

You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out right away. An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to discover your strengths, build confidence, and develop skills that employers value.

The deadline to apply is this Friday, 21 August. If you’ve been considering an apprenticeship, now’s the time to make it happen.

Explore the opportunities and apply before the deadline: https://brnw.ch/21x50Rc

13/08/2026

Your A-Level results are in… what’s next?

Take our quick Engineering Career Quiz and discover manufacturing careers that match your interests:

👉 https://brnw.ch/21x4TKv

There are many routes to a successful career, and university isn't the only option.

If you're practical, curious, enjoy solving problems, or want to earn while you learn, an apprenticeship in manufacturing could be the perfect next step.

From engineering and automation to digital technologies, maintenance, and manufacturing operations, apprenticeships help you gain recognised qualifications, develop real-world skills, and start building your career from day one.

Address

Nobel Way
Birmingham
B67EU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

0121 331 3930

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