R&B Switchgear Group (R&B), a UK specialist in switchgear manufacturing and power distribution, celebrated National Manufacturing Day 2026 by welcoming five students from each of its established college partners, Hopwood Hall College and The Manchester College, for a behind-the-scenes experience at its Manchester manufacturing facility.
The nationwide initiative, led by Make UK, highlights the vital role of British manufacturing and encourages businesses to showcase the sector and introduce the next generation to the wide range of careers it offers.
Following the success of their first National Manufacturing Day event in 2025, R&B returned for a second consecutive year. This time with an interactive programme focused on health and safety – an essential foundation for students preparing to enter live engineering and manufacturing environments.
The visit gave students an opportunity to see how their classroom learning applies within a working engineering business, learn more about the specialist skills required within the power engineering industry and the career pathways available through the R&B Switchgear Academy.
Students also heard from a former T Level placement student who has since progressed into an apprenticeship with R&B, demonstrating how meaningful industry experience can provide a direct route from education into employment.
R&B selected health and safety as the focus of its 2026 programme to demonstrate that successful engineering requires not only technical ability, but also an understanding of risk, personal responsibility and safe working practices within a live manufacturing environment.
Following an engaging session led by R&B’s Group HSEQ Manager, students toured the Manchester manufacturing facility, gaining first-hand insight into the design and production of bespoke LV & HV switchgear. Throughout the tour, students put their knowledge into practice through an interactive hazard identification challenge, encouraging them to recognise potential risks and understand the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.
The experience connected classroom learning with real-world engineering, allowing students to engage directly with industry professionals and develop a greater understanding of the standards, responsibilities and working practices expected within the manufacturing sector.
Feedback from the students highlighted the value of experiencing a working engineering environment first-hand, reinforcing the importance of practical industry exposure in preparing the next generation of engineers.
One student from Hopwood Hall College commented:
“Everyone was very helpful and easy to speak to. It was all very informative and helped guide my ideas about future careers.”
Max Beswick, Managing Director of R&B Switchgear Group commented: “The skills shortage remains one of the biggest challenges facing UK manufacturing, particularly within specialist areas of electrical engineering. At R&B, we recognise that many of the technical skills our industry requires cannot be developed through classroom learning alone. That’s why working closely with our college partners and creating opportunities for students to experience a real engineering environment is so important.”
“National Manufacturing Day gives us the opportunity to demonstrate what our industry has to offer, introduce students to the people behind our business and show them how their qualifications can develop into long-term careers.”
Through the R&B Switchgear Academy and its partnerships with local education providers, R&B supports young people through industry placements, apprenticeships and structured development opportunities.
For R&B Switchgear Group, it’s participation in National Manufacturing Day represents its ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships with local education providers and creating meaningful opportunities for young people considering careers in engineering and manufacturing.