Apprentices from the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre were among the thousands marching through the streets of London for the Lord Mayor’s Show, representing Sheffield’s manufacturing legacy and celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.
The Lord Mayor’s Show is one of the world’s oldest annual ceremonial events, dating back to the early 13th century. This year’s show welcomed the 696th Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King of the Queenhithe Ward, as London’s streets came alive with music, marching bands and entertainment.
More than 30 apprentices and staff members from the AMRC Training Centre joined the three-mile long procession to mark the 400th anniversary of the Cutlers’ Hall as ‘the voice of manufacturing in Sheffield and South Yorkshire’.
The apprentices were not only ambassadors for South Yorkshire’s rich manufacturing heritage but also its prosperous future as they represented their employers who are driving the industry forward and the skilled workforces of tomorrow.
Philip Rodrigo, Master Cutler of Hallamshire, said it was incredible to have the AMRC Training Centre apprentices representing the future of manufacturing at the Lord Mayor’s Show.
He added: “Today, manufacturing is at the forefront of sustainability, playing a vital role in protecting our planet. It’s helping develop a new generation of talented individuals who will drive prosperity for businesses in South Yorkshire and beyond.
“The AMRC Training Centre has been instrumental in this endeavour, having nurtured more than 2,000 apprentices for a range of businesses, some of whom were able to be represented at the show today. The training centre is an asset for our region and beyond, continuing to bring cutting edge research and technology into our manufacturing businesses, while providing the industry with the skilled talent it needs.”
Nikki Jones, director of the AMRC Training Centre, said it was a real honour to be involved in the Lord Mayor’s Show on behalf of the Cutlers’ Hall’.
She said: “By participating in this prestigious event, we celebrate the Cutlers’ 400-year-old legacy and showcase the region’s thriving manufacturing talent and industry.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity to put the AMRC Training Centre in the national spotlight and highlight our role in nurturing the next generation of skilled engineers. Our apprentices embody the talent and dedication that drives businesses forward, and it is something we’re very proud of.”
The AMRC Training Centre’s walking float at the procession also featured some of the partner employers it works with.
Darren Jones, UK learning and development manager at AESSEAL said: “This event is an excellent opportunity to showcase our united and enduring commitment with the AMRC Training Centre in nurturing skills and talent in engineering and manufacturing within South Yorkshire.
“Furthermore, we are proud to promote opportunity through social mobility by supporting people to improve their job skills and their chances of finding work.”
