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Institution of Mechanical Engineers announced winner of Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2012

Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP,  Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, highlighted the efforts of the UK's STEM Ambassadors at the Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2012, held in the Dorchester Hotel in London on the 27th of November.  At a ceremony hosted by broadcaster and former politician Michael Portillo, he lauded their work to enthuse and inspire young people to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics at all levels.

The UK’s longest-running manufacturing awards scheme, Manufacturing Excellence is run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and incorporates a detailed benchmarking and assessment process which not only discovers excellence but helps businesses find improvements in their processes across a range of areas.  It also acknowledges the importance of employer contributions to the promotion of STEM subjects.  

Nominees included some of the most exceptional manufacturers in the UK, and this year the award goes to MBDA Missile Systems, who demonstrated outstanding performance in all areas of the Manufacturing Excellence programme.  With facilities in Stevenage and Lancashire, they support their own pipeline of technical apprentices and graduates by allowing current graduates and apprentices, including STEM Ambassadors, to help drive better engagement in schools. 

Dr Ajay Sharman, STEMNET Regional Networks Manager and part of the judging panel for the 'Partnership with Education' assessment category, was impressed by the finalists' contributions.  He said "I was lucky enough to see a range of ways in which employers support education from school and college visits to supporting apprenticeship opportunities."

More information onthe awards, including how to get involved in 2013, can be found here.