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BBC spotlight on programme inspiring future engineers
Schlegel, a Quanex company and manufacturer of high-performance sealing systems for windows and doors, has been featured on BBC’s Look North for its continued support for UTC South Durham’s industry projects programme.
The initiative, run by the technical college and sixth form in Newton Aycliffe, gives STEM students the opportunity to work on real challenges set by regional employers while helping them develop the practical and transferable skills employers need.
This year, Schlegel provided a live project brief for a team of students based on a real manufacturing issue from within its operations. The team spent 12 weeks researching the issue, developing a proposed solution and presenting their findings at the programme’s finale event.
For students Mathew Causer and Liam Pattison the programme has given them a focus for their future careers.
Causer says: “This has been really beneficial as I’ve learned that I enjoy the hands-on work experience and now understand this is what I want to do in my engineering apprenticeship”
Pattison says: “I have enjoyed this introduction to engineering at Quanex and doing design and prototyping work, and this is where I would like to focus my career.”
Schlegel Continuous improvement manager Mark Sigsworth, who represented the company throughout the programme says: “This has been a great exercise for us as a company, some of the skills that the students have gained coming from a S.T.E.M school has been passed onto some of our engineers.
“The students first few weeks in the world of manufacturing and engineering has given them an insight into working life, how to conduct themselves in meetings and an understanding of our expectations.
“The next few months will be particularly good for the students as they have now been given real life improvement projects with timelines, gateway reviews and a full end of project presentation to the senior staff and the collage.”
According to Schlegel, the benefits of the programme are already proven. Previous students developed a solution aimed at reducing downtime at the company’s Newton Aycliffe manufacturing facility. The proposal was subsequently implemented and is now being explored for patent protection and wider rollout.
“The quality of ideas that come from these projects is always impressive and we have already seen a student-led solution deliver tangible benefits within our own operation, which demonstrates the value of bringing education and industry closer together.
Sigsworth says: “As a manufacturer with deep roots in the North East, we want to find and support the next generation of engineers. Programmes like this help build a strong local skills pipeline around the local area while giving students meaningful experience that can shape their future careers.”
Article written by John Roper
06th August 2026