Make UK
Inspiring the next generation in manufacturing
Establishing a meaningful relationship with young engineers and apprentices
Make UK (formerly the EEF), is the members based organisation for manufacturing in the UK for 125 years. Make UK’s long standing relationships with large organisations have formed the backbone of their membership base but 2019 saw a reimagining of the brand and with it an ambition to position Make UK as the champions of tomorrow’s young manufacturers and engineers.
Bringing the audience in to the creative process
To help Make UK structure a platform for youth engagement, The Elephant Room conducted three phases of research. Each phase of research, spanning from ethnographic through to focus groups provided more context to their career aspirations, vision for the future and their attitudes towards the world of work.
A generation that feel they can create a better future
Manufacturing is rarely seen as a creative pursuit but the audiences desire to create without borders or have that creativity be the subject of academic scrutiny was evident. They could see how as engineers their skills were the necessary catalyst to turn thought into function and through collaboration impact some of the world’s environmental or social problems.
At a more practical level, they wanted to be part of an industry that was more representative, inclusive and progressive in its thinking. They felt that having the opportunity to engage with those at the forefront of manufacturing 4.0 bringing new technologies and changing industry narratives would provide them with the inspiration they needed to achieve their ambitions.
The solution
The Maker's Meet Festival
Working with our most engaged respondents from the research, we co-created an event that would directly meet the needs identified by our audience. The Maker’s Meet was born. A one day festival to inspire the future generation of manufacturing in the UK. By dividing the event into five zones, we ensured that no matter what their area of interest, young STEM students and apprentices would have a reason to get excited.
The event was attended by 1,000 young people on 12th October at the Custard Factory, Birmingham.
