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SME manufacturers in Greater Manchester are bringing AI, automation and digital twins onto the factory floor by teaming up with students and graduates through Made Smarter’s Digital Internship Programme.
The paid placements give businesses a fast, low-risk way to test and apply new technologies, modernise processes and build confidence in digital transformation, while giving students real, hands-on experience inside live manufacturing environments.
As National Apprenticeship Week puts the spotlight on skills and early careers, the government-backed adoption programme is showing how flexible, project-led internships can help businesses access specialist skills and explore technologies they would not otherwise have the time or capacity to pursue.
Over the past year, Made Smarter North West’s latest cohort of 18 interns have worked directly on factory floors and in engineering teams, applying a wide range of digital technologies to real production challenges. These include robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, data and analytics, CNC and CAD-to-CNC workflows, virtual reality and digital twins, system integration and wider workflow digitisation.
While the programme is focused on skills development and technology adoption, early employment outcomes are beginning to emerge, with two interns already offered permanent roles as businesses look to retain digital capability and momentum.
In Stockport, Arden Dies worked with Manchester Metropolitan University data science student Deniz Beyazgul and University of Salford robotics and automation student Husan Vokhidov to explore practical applications of AI and automation across its operations.
Sarah Poynter, Operations Director at Arden Dies, said:
“Bringing in a digital intern has allowed us to explore AI in a focused, practical way. It’s about finding tools that genuinely add value to our manufacturing operations, not technology for technology’s sake. Having someone with an AI background has really opened our eyes to what’s possible.”
Husan Vokhidov added:
“The internship gave me the chance to apply AI and machine learning to real CAD/CAM data, building my technical skills while seeing how digital technologies support advanced manufacturing in practice.”
Since its inception in 2019, Made Smarter has supported over 2,500 manufacturers across the North West, providing access to expert digital advice, technology adoption roadmaps, skills development opportunities, and funded technology projects.
Donna Edwards, Programme Director for Made Smarter North West, said:
“These digital internships are delivering exactly what manufacturers need, practical digital skills and fresh thinking, while giving students and graduates paid, hands-on experience on real industrial projects, and a direct stepping stone into employment.
“As National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of developing future talent, our digital internships show how flexible, paid placements can play a vital role in strengthening the manufacturing skills pipeline.”
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