Apprentice Automation Challenge: Five reasons why you need to get involved

With less than two weeks to go before registration closes, here are five reasons why you and your colleagues should enter a team this year!

Registration for teams is open until 7 February 2022 - register your team via the Apprentice Automation Challenge website today!

1. Low bar to entry

Registration for the Apprentice Automation Challenge is completely free for teams of up to six members. With a guideline of four hours work per week for working on your designs, prototype and business case, the project can be fitted in and around your other tasks.

2. Develop your engineering skills

Throughout the Challenge, teams will gain a thorough understanding of the full product lifecycle and design reviews for their chosen product. Apprentices will gain practical experience in the development, manufacture and iteration of their working prototype, learning valuable lessons about material choice and using tools along the way.

3. Grow your soft skills

By working on project that is as close to real world as possible, team members will have the opportunity to develop the essential team-working, time management and project management skills that are highly sought after by prospective employees. The finals in particular are an opportunity to develop your public speaking and presentation skills, as well as get feedback, advice and recommendations from our judging panel of senior engineers.

4. Secure prizes and awards

Teams will have the chance to win a prize of £2,000 for the winning team, as well separate awards for Peer Review and Highly Commended. The winning team will also be invited to attend and present their prototype at the prestigeous TMMX Awards in late 2022, organised by The Manufacturer, raising both your personal profile and the profile of your company.

5. Build your network of connections

From the prototyping process to the finals, apprentices will have the chance to meet and connect with apprentices, engineers and businesses across multiple industries.

If you have any questions about the process, please visit the Challenge website and email the organising team. We look forward to welcoming your team to this year's Apprentice Automation Challenge team.