Made Smarter Digital Internship programme helps Lancashire SMEs

Lancashire manufacturers 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.

Across Lancashire, the programme has supported manufacturers to trial and apply digital technologies in real production settings. 

Ritherdon and Co, a Darwen-based manufacturer of stainless steel electrical enclosures, worked with Newcastle University electrical engineering student Sahil Hathi to explore robotic welding and automation within its production processes.

Ben Ritherdon, managing director, said: “Made Smarter gave us the time and space to properly test how robotic welding could work within our existing operations, while also developing Sahil’s skills in both hands-on fabrication and automated manufacture.”

Sahil Hathi added: “It’s been a valuable opportunity to be part of a team that encourages problem-solving, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, and to build my technical skills in a real manufacturing environment.”

In Hapton, furniture maker Fleming Howland collaborated with Manchester Metropolitan University digital design and manufacturing graduate Kian Tavakoli to digitise furniture designs and upholstery cutting patterns, improving consistency, reducing waste and supporting more efficient CNC production.

Paul Fleming, managing director of Fleming Howland, said: “Having Kian join us through the Made Smarter Internship Programme has been a genuine catalyst.

"His digital skillset allowed us to accelerate a complex CAD-to-CNC workflow that would have otherwise required outsourcing. Beyond the technical delivery, his presence has sparked a wider conversation about how traditional furniture making can evolve through smart manufacturing tools. It’s been a valuable experience for both sides.”

Kian Tavakoli, 22, added: “As my first real experience of a manufacturing business, it transformed my understanding of how digital skills can make a practical difference on the factory floor.

"The internship helped me grow technically and professionally, but it also showed how digital change works best when it’s done with people, not to them.”

Innovative Outdoor Products, a Nelson-based manufacturer of outdoor bags and cases, partnered with Lancaster University engineering student Milanka Manathunga to digitise production patterns and support leaner manufacturing.

Max Malavasi, chief executive, said: “Having Milanka on board to digitise all our patterns has been invaluable.

"The factory has been using old-style patterns for decades and we can now move into the 21st century. It means we can reduce waste, cut far more accurately and add clear instructions into our production process.”

Milanka Manathunga, 22, added: “The placement gave me valuable industry experience and a clear understanding of how manufacturing operates in the real world. Leading the project helped me turn academic knowledge into practical solutions.”

TheWorkwear Ltd, a Burnley-based supplier of customised workwear and embroidered garments, worked with graphic design student Ibrahim Syed Shah to improve digital design, branding and production workflows.

Ibrar Syed, director at TheWorkwear, said: “Ibrahim brought fresh creative thinking and practical design skills that added real value to our business.

"The placement allowed us to explore new ideas and approaches we may not otherwise have considered, and we would strongly recommend the Made Smarter programme to other SMEs.”

Ibrahim Syed Shah added: “The placement helped me develop my design skills in a real working environment and understand customer and market needs.

"I created brand assets the team can continue to use and contributed ideas around the future direction of the brand.”

In a further Lancashire-based project, Sana Fatima, an MBA student at the University of Lancashire, was paired with a rubber manufacturer on a system integration project, applying digital and business skills to a live operational challenge.

Sana, 24, said: “It’s been a valuable opportunity to apply what I’ve learned to a real business challenge.”

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