Why participate?

The Apprentice Automation Challenge provides real-life experience of the entire cycle of designing and manufacturing a prototype. Teams will develop key manufacturing and engineering skills alongside business and soft skills that will enhance their future in an engineering career.

What is required?

• Guideline of four hours work per week
• A business case for the mass production and sale of the product.

How your company benefits

• Develop connections and network with like-minded people
• Observe the next generation of engineering and manufacturing in action
• Learn and interact with the future of manufacturing
• Raise the profile of your organisation
• Contribute towards “off the job learning” for Levy Funding

"I chose to take part in the challenge because I really enjoyed it last year and I wanted to push myself even further and become team leader of this challenge. Taking part has enabled me to gain many skills, including communication, teamwork, project leading, and even some of the technical skills like coding and designing."
Paigan Huish, Niftylift, 2025 winners

The Apprentice Automation challenge can become an integral part of your apprenticeship scheme and will benefit your apprentices by:

• Providing practical experience of the product lifecycle and design reviews
• Developing and testing skills in a number of disciplines:
  • electronics
  • software
  • mechanical engineering
  • finance and marketing
• Supporting collaboration and teamwork between technical and non-technical apprentices to work together and 'speak each others language'
• Learning of the various lifecycle stages, requirements and reviews before getting involved in 'real' products.

"Taking part in the IMechE Apprentice Automation Challenge was an amazing and memorable experience. The event was brilliantly organised, with access to outstanding facilities and an insightful workshop tour that gave us a real behind-the-scenes view of engineering in action. One of the highlights was meeting and networking with apprentices from other companies—we shared ideas, learned from each other, and built industry connections that will last well into our careers. I would highly recommend the Apprentice Automation Challenge to any apprentice looking to develop their engineering skills, gain exposure to cutting-edge environments, and be inspired by peers from across the industry."
Jamie Brogan, Thales

How teams benefit

• Develop research and practical technical skills
• Broaden professional development
• Develop skills and experience that will support towards EngTech accreditation
• Enhance project management skills
• Widen manufacturing experience
• Develop leadership and team-working skills
• Meet and network with leading professionals
• Feature on your CV
• Use the AAC project work for your NVQ evidence
• Win prize money: £2k for winners, £500 for Highly Commended and £100 for Peer Review winners

"I have been most impressed by the way teams have worked together to overcome difficulties and produce results against strict time constraints.
The challenge develops the young engineers of the future by equipping them with the right skills and hands on experience to create innovative and inclusive solutions. It offers apprenticeship providers a fantastic off the shelf project that engages apprentices and develops team collaboration as well as analytical and critical thinking.
What company would not want its apprentices to learn such skills?"
Raymond Hodgkinson, International Vice President and AAC Judge

"Every year the apprentice teams of the Home Automation Challenge never cease to impress. Their hard work and ingenuity shines through and the quality of the products produced improves year on year. The apprentices of today are critical for the future of manufacturing and engineering and the Challenge demonstrates that the future is in great hands."
Jason Yearsley, Chair Apprentice Automation Challenge