Session Overview: While the pandemic’s record-breaking vacancy rates in manufacturing have declined significantly, the skills and labour deficit continues to hamper productivity in the sector. To grow and thrive, we need innovative solutions to recruitment and retention, which starts with better communication across generations. In this session, we bring to students, providers and manufacturers to discuss and develop leading proposals for passing on industry knowledge and boosting communication. Come and speak to our Tech Hub apprentices and engineers on the shopfloor to find out how the next generation of manufacturers are learning and thriving in our sector.
Why Attend? Last year, manufacturers and industry experts came together to discuss how to attract new talent into the sector and ensure that young people are connected to manufacturing. Now, as Gen Z and Gen Alpha begin their careers, we have brought together a selection of young people – from apprentices to early careers engineers – to highlight their experiences of the sector and offer their insights into aiding intergenerational communication.
What to Expect: This year’s session sees our the format from a simple panel to an interactive workshop, where speakers and attendees will be working together to create new solutions for recruitment, retention and communication across every generation of manufacturing. Our speakers will draw on their experience to lead and shape the conversation around communication. You can expect:
• Brief Introductions: Hear from our speakers about their experiences in manufacturing so far, the lessons they’ve learned, and the successes they’ve had.
• Short Q&A: Tell our speakers about your experience and take advantage of the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
• Group Workshops: Join speakers and attendees in small groups to discuss key issues in communication, recruitment and retention, before feeding back your solutions to the group.
• Pre-Session Materials: You’ll receive useful materials before the event to help you prepare and get the most out of the discussions.
Come along to gain insights, connect with others, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of manufacturing.
Check out the Talent Breakout session from 2024 using the following link –Make UK Conference 2024 (Talent Breakout Session)
Shoshanna Davis, Founder, Fairy Job Mother
Shoshanna is an Early Careers ,Gen-Z Engagement Expert and Founder of Fairy Job Mother.
She started her business over her frustration at the lack of good career advice and preparation there was for the world of work, during and after education. Coming from an underrepresented background she failed her exams, got fired from her first job, and felt unequipped to succeed.
After climbing the ladder to global a tech leadership position in her mid 20’s and seeing the issue continue she turned her frustration into action and founded Fairy Job Mother, combining all her learnings as a young person and leader from the corporate world.
Now on a mission to empower young people with the skills and confidence they need for impactful careers, while also giving leaders the understanding and tools to engage, inspire and elevate the next generation.
Her work has been featured in CNBC, Business Insider, The Times, The Independent, The Metro, LinkedIn HQ and more and she has worked with organisations like M&S, BT, Accenture, and Diageo.
Simon Fairnfield, Event Director, Advanced Engineering & Southern Manufacturing and Electronics
Simon Farnfield is the Event Director of the UK’s leading annual manufacturing and engineering trade shows namely Advanced Engineering, held at the NEC (29 – 30 October 2025), and Southern Manufacturing and Electronics, now in its 27th edition,held in Farnborough (4-7 February 2025). Simon is a media and events expert, with over 25 years’ experience working for major international media and events brands. In his career, Simon has developed a strong knowledge and passion for helping industries grow and attract new and diverse talent pools as well as creating leading events for communities to develop. During his career, he has managed The Times Top 50 Employers for Women; The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For; The Sun Employment Roadshow and launched a trade show for working in the events industry called Event Careers Live.
Alexia Williams, Through Life Technical Lead, Rolls-Royce
Alexia is a Through Life Technical Lead at Rolls-Royce, where her career has spanned the entire Defence Portfolio. Starting as an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice, she progressed to a Master’s Degree Apprenticeship in Through-Life System Sustainment, driving innovation in the maintenance and availability of long-life assets. Her projects include reducing turnaround times for military engine repairs and using data analytics to enhance Navy asset availability.
Beyond her technical role, Alexia is a Non-Executive Director at EAL and a Trustee on the Board of Enginuity, supporting education and skills development in engineering. Passionate about promoting STEM careers and apprenticeships, she has contributed over 200 hours in the past year to outreach activities. She also serves as Chair of the IfATE Apprentice Panel, an Apprentice Representative for the UCAS Apprenticeship Stakeholder Group, and a member of the IET Young Professionals Committee and IMechE Bath and Bristol Young Members Panel.
Alexia’s dedication and leadership have earned her multiple awards as an apprentice and engineer. Rising from Apprentice to Technical Lead in under six years, she exemplifies the values of trust, integrity, and safety. Through her work and advocacy, Alexia is not only driving engineering excellence but also inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in STEM.
Jamie Cater, Senior Policy Manager, Make UK
Jamie Cater is Senior Policy Manager (Employment) at Make UK. Jamie leads Make UK’s policy work on education and training as well as wider employment issues, working with industry and government to create a policy environment that supports employer investment in training and a skills system that responds to labour market demand. Prior to joining Make UK, Jamie worked for a political consultancy advising clients on public policy and regulation, including independent providers of apprenticeship training and higher education.