Celebrate the Future of Manufacturing at the 2026 Leeds Manufacturing Festival Next Gen Awards
A Key Evening in the Manufacturing Calendar
The 2026 Leeds Manufacturing Festival Next Gen Awards presentation evening is set to take place on Thursday 4th June, 6:00pm – 8.30pm at the Leeds Beckett University School of Arts. This established event brings together the Leeds manufacturing community to recognise and celebrate the people driving the sector forward. It has become a highlight of the year for employers, apprentices, educators and supporters alike.
Recognising the Sector’s Rising Stars
The Next Gen Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent and commitment within the manufacturing industry. This year’s categories include:
- Apprentice of the Year: Sponsored and presented by Enginuity
- Rising Star: Sponsored and presented by Made Smarter
- Mentor of the Year: Sponsored and presented by Next Gen Makers
- SME Employer of the Year: Sponsored and presented by Leeds City College
- Large Employer of the Year: Sponsored and presented by E3 Recruitment
- Manufacturing Leader: Sponsored and presented by Made in Yorkshire
- Graduate of the Year: Sponsored and presented by Leeds Beckett University
- Manufacturing Ambassador: Sponsored and presented by LMF Employer Sponsors (Greyhound Box, Leeds Welding Company, MPM Group, Sound Leisure, MA Ford, Facultatieve Technologies, Kirkstall Precision, RSE (Saftronics), AW Hainsworth, Brandon Medical, Bensons Panels, Involution, Pland Stainless)
What is Leeds Manufacturing Festival?
Leeds Manufacturing Festival is a collaborative industry initiative designed to promote manufacturing careers, inspire the next generation, and connect employers with emerging talent across the region.
Bringing together manufacturers, educators, training providers, and industry leaders, the festival runs a series of events throughout the year focused on skills development, career pathways, and raising the profile of the sector. It plays a key role in showcasing the opportunities available within manufacturing and addressing long-term skills gaps across the industry.
We are proud to be a long-standing headline sponsor of the festival, supporting its mission to attract, develop, and retain talent within manufacturing. Our involvement reflects our commitment to the wider sector, helping to promote careers in engineering and manufacturing while working alongside employers to strengthen the future workforce.
Why Nominate?
Nominating a colleague or rising talent isn’t just about winning an award, it’s about recognition, inspiration and momentum. Last year’s awards highlighted individuals whose achievements were celebrated across the region, giving winners and finalists a platform to boost their careers and raise awareness of the opportunities within the sector.
Boost morale and visibility: Recognition from peers and industry leaders validates hard work and dedication.
Inspire others: Showcasing real success stories helps attract more young people into manufacturing careers.
Champion best practice: Nominations highlight companies and individuals who lead by example in training, innovation and leadership.
What to Expect on the Night
The evening will begin with informal networking over food and drinks, providing a relaxed opportunity to connect with peers across the manufacturing community.
Guests will then move into the theatre for the awards presentation, where this year’s winners will be announced and celebrated.
The evening will conclude with further networking and celebrations, giving attendees the chance to continue conversations and recognise the achievements of the sector together.
Join the Celebration
If you know someone who embodies the spirit, skill and ambition of the manufacturing industry, now is the time to put them forward. Nominating them for a Next Gen Award helps recognise their contribution and encourages the whole sector to continue supporting the next generation of talent.
To submit a nomination, complete the form via the link here
