Students, teachers and careers advisers from local schools and colleges visited Armstrong Fluid Technology’s factory in Pointon Way, Droitwich, on 26 September as part of National Manufacturing Day 2024.
The company said that all age groups, from school leavers to more experienced workers looking at reskilling, were invited to the Open Day, to consider the possibilities of a career in manufacturing.
Armstrong stated that visitors to its factory took part in a series of events aimed at giving them an insight into how today’s modern manufacturing businesses operate, and the career opportunities available in Droitwich. The day included a tour of the manufacturing plant and visits to the Operations Control Room and Project Engineering Department, followed by a virtual tour of Armstrong’s factory in Manchester. Then visitors watched a timelapse video which demonstrated how the company assembles its packaged plantrooms, which are shipped across the world.
Ian Harris, production training team leader at Armstrong Fluid Technology, said: “It was a fantastic event. There is a growing interest in the apprenticeship route into employment and this was a perfect opportunity for people to get a real feel for manufacturing as a career choice. Students didn’t know quite what to expect, thinking the factory might be noisy and dirty, but touring the manufacturing plant really opened their eyes.
“Visitors commented on how clean and organised everything is, and were amazed at the size and scale of the products manufactured here. There was a lot of interest in the highly-advanced technology involved in today’s manufacturing processes, especially the computer-based 3D-modelling systems and AI simulations we use during design.”
Faye Joule, project document controller at Armstrong Fluid Technology, added: “I joined Armstrong just over six years ago. I was straight out of college, feeling the pressure to follow the crowd and go to University but had no idea what I wanted to do or study. I found Armstrong’s Business Admin apprenticeship on the GOV UK website; it sounded right up my street so I applied!
“I’d already had a few interviews elsewhere but nothing felt quite right, but when I had the interview with Armstrong, it was the first place I could see myself working at. The opportunity allowed me to gain experience in a work environment, every task I was doing I could use to build my business admin apprenticeship portfolio all whilst earning a wage.”