R&B Switchgear Group Champions Women in STEM on National Manufacturing Day
Posted by: electime 1st October 2025
R&B Switchgear Group, a UK leader in switchgear manufacturing and power distribution, celebrated National Manufacturing Day 2025 by welcoming year 10 engineering students from Middleton Technology School for a behind-the-scenes tour of its head office production facility.
The nationwide initiative, led by Make UK, highlights the vital role of UK manufacturing and encourages industry leaders to inspire the next generation of engineers. R&B Switchgear Group proudly joined hundreds of other UK manufacturers in pledging its support for the campaign.
With seven out of ten visitors being female engineering students, the event placed women in STEM front and centre. Students were guided through the full lifecycle of R&B’s manufacturing process, from initial design to assembly and testing. They explored both the company’s modern innovations and its heritage products, gaining a unique view of the scale and diversity of projects delivered by the business.
The day also introduced pupils to the R&B Switchgear Academy, which offers apprenticeships and T Level pathways into the sector, providing a clear route from education into employment. Event sponsors Hopwood Hall College rounded off the visit with a careers session, linking the tour to practical guidance on how to take the first steps into the industry.
The impact of the day was clear. One student left determined to “be the first female designer”, while another described it as “a very fun experience” where “everyone is easy to talk to and it was interesting to hear about their different experiences and jobs.”
Dan Gooding, CEIAG Mentor at Middleton Technology School, commented: “The visit to R&B Switchgear Group was a fantastic experience for our students. Not only did it bring engineering to life, but it also set a benchmark for what high-quality workplace visits should look like.
“From the factory tour to the student workbooks, the level of planning and engagement made the day both inspiring and practical. Opportunities like this give our students the confidence to see themselves in future careers, and we are extremely grateful to R&B for opening their doors to us.”
Jo Hindle, HR Director at R&B Switchgear Group, said: “The skills agenda in Greater Manchester is clear – initiatives like the MBacc are about starting early and giving students a direct line of sight into technical careers. By offering year 10 students an insight into our operations, we’re helping to link classroom learning with the real skills employers need, while raising aspirations and showing that engineering and manufacturing offer exciting, rewarding opportunities.”
Max Beswick, Managing Director of R&B Switchgear Group, added:
“The skills shortage remains one of the biggest challenges facing UK manufacturing. Days like this are vital in tackling it. Manufacturing is an invaluable industry that underpins everything from transport and energy to healthcare. By opening our doors and engaging with young talent early, we can spark ambition, build confidence and show them the exciting, meaningful careers that lie ahead in engineering and manufacturing.”
By taking part in National Manufacturing Day, R&B Switchgear Group reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the skills gap, promoting diversity, and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
With more than 40 years’ experience, R&B Switchgear Group has delivered power distribution projects for clients including United Utilities, Tesco, Carnival, and Tata Steel. Operating from offices in the UK, USA and Singapore, the company continues to invest heavily in skills development and early careers to help secure the future of UK manufacturing.
For more information about R&B Switchgear Group and its services, please visit rbswitchgeargroup.com or contact info@rbswitch.com.
