Transforming Manufacturing: AI and Internships in Greater Manchester

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 Greater Manchester, Heyside Plastics in Oldham has recruited Enoch Adediran, a robotics and automation student at the University of Salford, after he explored how automation and digital technologies could be deployed across its operations.

Garreth Brown, Business Executive at Heyside Plastics, said: “Bringing in Enoch has helped us to fill a vital skills gap in the business and fast-track our digital roadmap. Enoch has been a revelation, and the value he has already brought to the business in such a short time is immense.”

Enoch, 28, said: “The internship allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience in plastics manufacturing and to see how automation can be applied in a real production environment. The placement has helped me develop my skills further in areas such as 3D modelling and network architecture, while also giving me insight into how digital technologies can be used to improve manufacturing processes in practice.”

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.”

Deniz Beyazgul added: “The placement helped teams better understand AI and how it could be integrated into everyday workflows. We were able to analyse and automate processes and identify real opportunities to improve performance and quality.”

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.”

The programme has also drawn on talent from Greater Manchester–based universities. Enoch Adediran, a Robotics and Automation student at the University of Salford, supported a Lancashire manufacturer, while Kian Tavakoli, a Digital Design and Manufacturing graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University, applied his know-how to a project in Lancashire.

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.”

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.

Find out more about the Digital Internship programme and read the recent white paper, visit:
madesmarter.uk/adoption/internship-programme