An engineering company is holding an open day for students at local schools next week in a bid to cultivate new generations of talent for the industry. 

Shearline Precision Engineering in Ely is answering the call for new blood as the government urges companies to broaden their talent pools to recruit the 1.8 million new engineers needed by 2025. 

Demand for apprentice engineers has doubled in the past six years and tripled in the past 12. 

Shearline takes on several apprentices on an annual basis and already has active programmes with several schools in its catchment, but Managing Director Jon Littlechild is stepping up the strategy. 

To mark National Manufacturing Day on September 28, Shearline is opening its doors to around 60 Year 10 and 11 pupils from Soham Village College and Ely College for hands-on teach-ins – split between morning and afternoon sessions. 

Jon said: “The students will be split into groups to visit the company’s machine shop, fabrication facilities and subsidiary businesses on-site; namely Hybrid Laser Tech – specialist in laser cutting and engraving, with a focus on ceramics – and ShearXL, leader in the machining of free issue castings and large, complex components for several industry sectors including motor sports. 

“A Shearline apprentice will tell the students about their journey to date and the company is planning some hands-on activities to give the young visitors a taste of practical engineering – under close supervision, of course.” 

Shearline’s banking partner NatWest also plans to send some of its team members to the day as a show of support for this important initiative. 

Shearline’s National Manufacturing Day effort builds on long-term relationships with Soham and Ely Colleges as well as Bishop Laney Sixth Form, Kings Ely, Bottisham, Littleport and Witchford schools.  

The company has fostered these liaisons for the best part of 20 years and is always keen to work with the schools to organise work experience programmes.