Apprentice Automation Challenge achieves record number of teams for 2020 event

The Institution’s leading apprentice competition, the Apprentice Automation Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for talented apprentices to compete in an innovative design and manufacturing challenge that improves an everyday home or garden device.

This year the event attracted a record 14 teams including the first international team entry from India.

The Apprentice Automation Challenge has expanded the remit of the competition this year by asking teams to design a product that addresses key global challenges such as

• energy efficiency at home
• corporate social responsibility
• the circular economy.

The Challenge is a perfect opportunity to support collaboration and teamwork between technical and non-technical apprentices, encouraging them to work together.

Ella Legg, a Business Apprentice from Leonardo, who competed in the 2019 Challenge, said,

"The IMechE Home Automation Challenge really encourages apprentices to work as a team in their groups and create solutions collaboratively. Support is of course there in the form of experienced employees, but the Challenge promotes team members to use their own initiative first."

• Meet the 2020 Teams

Teams will have to produce a business case for the mass production and sale of their product and build a prototype for the final event. Judges will assess teams based on their business case, design specification, manufacturing process and business presentation at the final. The winner of the competition will be announced at the final event on 10 July 2020 and awarded £2000 prize money.

Jelena Gacesa, IMechE Operations Manager said,

“This challenge is a fantastic opportunity for participants to gain hands on experience of the entire cycle of designing and manufacturing a prototype. It benefits companies by raising their profile and equipping apprentices with key engineering and soft skills to attract and retain the best talent. We welcome all teams for the 2020 competition and wish everyone the best of luck.”

The Challenge is supported by The Manufacturer magazine and the Manufacturing Technology Centre. For sponsorship opportunities please contact AAC.Challenge@imeche.org or visit Become a Sponsor.