Creating inclusive opportunities for young people in manufacturing: a day at Bennett Engineering

Students from St. Andrew’s Academy recently visited Bennett Engineering for an interactive, hands-on experience of a day in the life of Bennett engineers, providing them with a valuable insight into the world of manufacturing. Hosted at Bennett Engineering’s new facility, the day was carefully designed to be inclusive, offering students a real taste of life in the workplace.

The day aimed to help young people learn about the different roles and responsibilities in the sector and gain an understanding of the types of transferable skills that are needed to develop a career in manufacturing.

St Andrew’s Academy is a secondary school for learners aged between 11 and 19 who have a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities.

The day began with a tour of the workshop, offices, and breakout area. Students learned about the manufacturing process from Bennett’s Enterprise Adviser Seleena Creedon, who has been working with the Careers Hub for the last four years.

Seleena supports the school by linking students with new career experiences and helping to plan the careers programmes.  She provided a fantastic overview of the industry and how skills gained in school can be applied in various workplace settings. Safety was another key focus throughout the day. Students also had the opportunity to try on personal protective equipment (PPE) and took part in a session on safety protocols.

Talking about the day, Seleena added:

“I’ve had a blast today with St Andrews visiting our industrial unit for National Manufacturing Day. I live and breathe SEND students getting workplace opportunities so now Bennett Engineering is in Derby it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to have students here.”

The highlight of the day was a hands-on session in which students assembled wooden chairs, an exercise designed to give them real-life, practical experience while contributing to a community project. The chairs will be used at another local school, allowing students to see their work in a meaningful context.

This experience reinforced the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that not only welcome but actively support individuals with varying abilities.

Reflecting on the session, Tracy Corden, Careers Leader at St Andrew’s said:

“What an opportunity this was today. We have had fun and got a realistic, hands-on experience in a factory setting. We can only hope that other local businesses follow in your footsteps, offering an inclusive, realistic experience for SEND young people.”

Charlotte Bushell, Enterprise Coordinator at East Midlands Combined County Authority said:

“Seeing the students so engaged and motivated was incredible. It was clear how much they valued being part of a team and contributing to a real project.

This day marked another step forward in promoting inclusive environments in manufacturing, showing that with the right opportunities, young people with additional needs can thrive. The students left with increased confidence, practical experience, and a deeper understanding of the roles available to them in the workplace, key factors that will undoubtedly support them in their future careers.”