Overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and employers revealed 100 per cent of students would attend a similar event again with many left feeling inspired and more informed about STEM career options.

Similarly, 100 per cent of volunteers said they would recommend MTI as a venue and would be keen to volunteer again.

One student commented: “Meeting different people and learning about what they do opened my eyes to new possibilities.”

Another added: “I didn’t realise how many types of engineering jobs there are!”

For businesses, the event offered not only the chance to engage with future talent, but also to reflect on their own career journeys.

One volunteer noted: “Speaking to students with aspirations was incredibly rewarding.”

Another said: “It helped me explain my job in a more accessible way.”

The event continues to reinforce MTI’s growing reputation as a regional skills hub at the forefront of supporting growth in engineering and advanced technologies.

Positive feedback was received across the board on the quality of the venue, event organisation, and the meaningful nature of the interactions. Schools have already expressed interest in bringing more students next year.

Lisa Bingley, Operations Director at MTI, said: “It was fantastic to see the energy in the room — students were genuinely engaged and excited by what they were learning.

“Events like this show how powerful it can be when businesses take the time to connect with young people. These conversations plant the seeds for tomorrow’s engineers, technicians, and innovators.”

Looking ahead, MTI is now encouraging businesses across the automotive, engineering, and technology sectors to sign up for the 2026 Speed Networking event, taking place in March 2026.

Lisa added: “Every conversation is a chance to make an impact. By volunteering your time, you help create a future talent pipeline that is informed, motivated, and ready to shape the world through STEM.”

Businesses interested in getting involved can sign up as industry ambassadors by emailing: [email protected]

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for companies looking to further increase their impact and visibility.

For more information about MTI visit https://miratechnologyinstitute.co.uk/ or to learn about NWSLC, visit: www.nwslc.ac.uk