Apprentices and their companies were invited to enter the next exciting edition of this engineering competition, which tasks teams of up to eight apprentices to design and manufacture a device to automate an everyday product. This could be a smart mirror, food processor, an automated walking stick; the choice is yours!
Organised by The Institution of Mechanical Engineers and supported by the Manufacturer and Smart Manufacturing Week, the Challenge is a great opportunity for apprentices and the companies their work at to further develop their knowledge, expertise and skills on a fun, high-profile project that is as close to the real world as possible. All teams develop and submit a report that includes a full design specification, manufacturing instructions, user manual and business case, and will travel to the finals event in September to show off their hard work: watch the feedback from last year’s final.
The winning team also go on to exhibit their winning prototype and work at Smart Manufacturing Week. Teams that took part in 2025 include Leonardo, BAE Systems Submarines and 2024 champions Niftylift.
