Chesterfield Businesses Bring STEM to Life for National Manufacturing Day

Over 100 students from five schools got an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Chesterfield’s leading manufacturers during the first large-scale National Manufacturing Day event in Derbyshire.

Organised as part of the Made in Chesterfield Festival, with support from the Work-wise Foundation, Destination Chesterfield, and North East Derbyshire Council, the event coincided with Make UK’s nationwide open house on 25 September, when manufacturers across the UK opened their doors to students, communities, and the public.

Pupils from The Bolsover School, Tupton Hall, Parkside Community School, Springwell Community College, and Early Life Enterprise visited CBE+, United Cast Bar, Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK) Ltd, Penny Engineering, and Weightron Bilanciai Ltd.

The day included factory tours, hands-on workshops, and an Innovation Challenge, with students presenting their ideas at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in the afternoon. Participants explored a variety of manufacturing processes, gaining insights into engineering, design, and project management.

Katie Andrews from CBE+ and David Beet from United Cast Bar worked tirelessly to bring the event to life. Katie said, “It was fantastic to welcome so many young people to see the real-world applications of engineering and manufacturing. Events like this show students that careers in our sector are not only about machinery—they’re about creativity, collaboration, and solving real challenges.”

David Beet added, “National Manufacturing Day is a brilliant opportunity to showcase the innovation happening right here in Chesterfield and Derbyshire. It’s inspiring to see young people so engaged and excited about their future careers in manufacturing.”

The Made in Chesterfield Festival runs until the end of October, giving young people further opportunities to learn about careers in manufacturing and engineering in the local area.