Velocity Composites plc is marking National Manufacturing Day 2026 by celebrating the people, skills and technology supporting the next generation of aerospace production.
Taking place on Thursday 24 September, National Manufacturing Day is organised by Make UK as an annual showcase of British industry. Manufacturers across the country are opening their doors and sharing their stories with schools, colleges, communities and people considering careers in the sector.
For Velocity Composites, the day provides an opportunity to highlight a manufacturing environment that brings together advanced composite materials, engineering expertise and digitally controlled production.
From its headquarters in Burnley and its growing manufacturing operation in the United States, Velocity supplies engineered composite material kits for some of the world’s major aerospace programmes.
Chief Operating Officer Oliver Smalley believes National Manufacturing Day can play an important role in showing young people the breadth of careers now available across the sector.
“Manufacturing today brings together people with a huge range of skills,” said Smalley. “Within aerospace you have engineering, production, quality, digital technology, supply chain and continuous improvement all working together.
“For somebody starting their career, that creates many different routes into the industry and opportunities to develop as their experience grows.”
That focus closely reflects the aims of National Manufacturing Day. Make UK is using this year’s event to showcase skilled employment, apprenticeships, career development and opportunities for people to experience modern manufacturing first-hand.
It comes as the wider contribution of the sector remains substantial. Research published by Make UK ahead of National Manufacturing Day puts UK manufacturing’s contribution to the economy at £220 billion, supporting 2.6 million jobs.
Manufacturing advanced materials for aerospace
Velocity operates within one of manufacturing’s most technically demanding supply chains.
Composite materials play an increasingly important role in modern aircraft, combining strength with low weight and supporting the efficiency and performance requirements of new aerospace programmes.
Velocity specialises in the management and manufacture of composite material kits, taking complex material requirements and converting them into production-ready kits supplied to customers.
Its manufacturing model combines specialist material knowledge with digital systems designed to manage material traceability, nesting, cutting and production control. The approach allows aerospace manufacturers to receive material in a format designed around the requirements of their production processes.
Smalley said the combination of manufacturing knowledge and technology is also changing the skills required on the factory floor.
“Aerospace manufacturing gives people the chance to work with some exceptionally advanced materials and processes,” he said.
“There is a real sense of purpose in that. Every kit we manufacture forms part of a much larger aerospace production process, and our teams understand the importance of precision, quality and consistency throughout that journey.”
Creating routes into aerospace
Developing manufacturing skills has become an increasing focus for Velocity as the company builds its workforce.
The business has supported T Level industry placements, giving students experience of a working aerospace manufacturing environment and an opportunity to apply technical education in industry.
For Smalley, creating those connections between education and employers is an important part of maintaining a strong pipeline of manufacturing talent.
“Young people should be able to see what a career in manufacturing can look like and experience the environment for themselves,” he said.
“Programmes such as T Levels give students valuable exposure to industry while they are developing their technical knowledge. They also give manufacturers an opportunity to meet talented young people who could become the engineers, technicians and manufacturing leaders of the future.”
Make UK has placed similar emphasis on apprenticeships and technical career pathways as part of National Manufacturing Day, with participating businesses encouraged to engage directly with schools, colleges and future employees.
Manufacturing with an international reach
Velocity’s own development also demonstrates where a career in modern manufacturing can lead.
The company has expanded from its UK manufacturing base into the United States, establishing its advanced manufacturing facility in Tallassee, Alabama, as part of its international growth.
That expansion means skills and processes developed within the business are supporting aerospace customers across international markets, while creating opportunities for employees to work within an increasingly global manufacturing operation.
Smalley added: “National Manufacturing Day is a chance to celebrate the people who make our industry what it is and to give others a clearer view of the careers available.
“For us, manufacturing is about skilled people applying their knowledge every day to produce something that matters to our customers. We want more young people to see that environment, understand the opportunities within aerospace and consider where a career in manufacturing could take them.”
National Manufacturing Day takes place on Thursday 24 September 2026 and is organised by Make UK.
