If you missed out on Mazak Europe’s Open Day, don’t worry— Max, a Job Development Coach in the manufacturing industry, sat down with us and gave a behind the scenes look at what the event was all about. The day was packed with tours and talks to show young people how exciting a career in modern manufacturing can be. Here’s what he had to say, plus some key advice for anyone thinking of jumping into this industry.



Breaking the Stereotypes of Manufacturing

“We wanted to open our doors... and show them the world of manufacturing” Max kicked off by explaining that Mazak’s open day was all about breaking the old stereotypes of manufacturing. It’s not all grease and old machines— it’s high tech, clean, and super modern. The goal was to let people see for themselves what it’s like to work with tech in a company. The tours and presentations gave everyone a peek at real life manufacturing processes, showing how exciting it can be to work in this environment.

 

Choosing your Route

“If they want to become an engineer, apprenticeships are a fantastic route... there is no right or wrong.” Max talked about the different ways you can get into manufacturing, whether that’s straight after school or later on. Across various manufacturing employers, you can start an apprenticeship as early as 16. There’re various programmes out there to suit different levels, so you can pick the option that works best for you and your goals. It’s all about finding the path that matches your interests, whether that’s hands-on work or something more technical like design.

 

Climbing the ladder

 “It can go as far as you want to take it... there’s nothing stopping you from becoming a senior manager or even a director.” An apprenticeship in the manufacturing industry isn’t just a job; it’s a great way to launch your career into the industry. Apprenticeships typically last around 3-4 years, starting with technical training and offering opportunities to explore different areas of the business. But that’s only the beginning. If you’re driven to progress, there are plenty of pathways— including higher apprenticeships, and even leadership roles. The message is clear: if you’re willing to put in the effort, there are no limits to how far you can go.

 

Finding a Manufacturing Apprenticeship that is right for you

GetMyFirstJob offers a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities across various levels in the manufacturing industry. If the idea of climbing the ladder in manufacturing has sparked your interest, why not take the first step? Begin your search today by clicking here!

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