National Manufacturing Day is a chance for UK manufacturers to give their local community, schools and colleges, behind the scenes access to a sector of global importance that plays a key role in the economic life of local communities across the UK. The day itself is a national celebration of UK manufacturing and a chance to raise the profile of the sector.
Manufacturing accounts £224 billion of UK output, 41% of R&D and nearly half of the country’s total exports. We create business hubs as well as providing training and employment to 2.6 million people around the country. Average salaries are some 12% higher than the wider economy.
Many manufacturers are telling us that they are facing a labour shortage and lack of the skills needed to grow their business. We still have a problem with the general population’s perception of manufacturing that we need to update. National Manufacturing Day presents a real opportunity for businesses to work with schools, colleges, Jobcentres and local residents to inspire and recruit local talent and showcase modern manufacturing to bust the myths.
National Manufacturing Day will demonstrate the value of jobs and in particular apprenticeships in our sector, so the next generation see manufacturing as a future career. But we are not limited to the next generation (school leavers and graduates), but to those looking to reskill and move into a new sector or industry.
As an affiliate partner of Make UK, the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is proud to support National Manufacturing Day—an important campaign that shines a spotlight on the strength, innovation, and diversity of UK manufacturing. ALFED is committed to helping showcase the incredible work being done by its members and the wider aluminium industry, celebrating the wealth of talent and opportunity within the sector—particularly among the next generation of young people building exciting careers in aluminium.
National Manufacturing Day provides a valuable platform to inspire future talent, raise awareness of the sector’s impact, and foster pride in British manufacturing. ALFED’s involvement reflects a shared mission with Make UK to champion the manufacturing industry’s future and amplify its role in shaping a sustainable and competitive economy.
Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED, said:
“As an affiliate partner of Make UK, we are proud to support National Manufacturing Day and highlight the positive impact of the aluminium sector. This campaign allows us to celebrate the achievements of our members, promote the diverse career pathways available, and showcase the incredible talent—especially from young people—driving innovation in the UK aluminium industry.”
Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation said:
“National Manufacturing Day is growing every year and is where the diverse sector I am privileged to represent comes together to celebrate the innovations British companies make every day and showcase the careers on offer to people of all ages across the whole of the country.
“Our companies are at the forefront of technology development and global renewable design, and we hope this fourth National Manufacturing Day will encourage people who have never thought of manufacturing as their future to come along to see what it is really like first hand. This is a highly paid sector which offers something for everyone. I started my career as an apprentice engineer, and it is a decision I have not regretted for a single day.”
