Closing the Skills Gap: How Pentangle Engineering is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing

From Classroom to Workshop: A Hands-On Approach

It all started with a conversation at Grantham Business Club. A local headteacher had an idea: could businesses help provide practical engineering experience for students? Pentangle Engineering was the first to say yes. Originally launched with just six students, West Grantham Academy’s BTEC in Engineering has now grown to 16 participants and attracted a second manufacturing business to join the programme, inspired by the success at Pentangle.

Year 10 and 11 students spend two hours in Pentangle’s workshop every week, gaining real-world experience in precision engineering. Supervised by a teacher or chaperone, the students split their time between practical skills training and theoretical learning, bridging the gap between education and industry.

From Fundamentals to Fabrication

The structured two-year programme is designed to build foundational skills before progressing to complex projects:

• Year 1: Students learn fundamental engineering techniques, including marking out, drilling holes, and understanding the importance of precision and safety in manufacturing.
• Year 2: With their skills honed, students take on a practical project—currently manufacturing a mobile phone holder consisting of 20 different components.

The challenge? Even experienced engineers would struggle to complete it within the 20-hour timeframe students are given. But that’s the point—it's an authentic, hands-on challenge that prepares them for industry realities.

Enhancing Industry Standards

While the school provides technical drawings for projects, Pentangle Engineering goes the extra mile by refining and redrafting them to meet professional standards. This ensures students work with accurate, real-world engineering schematics, mirroring what they would encounter in a professional setting.

By the second year, students take a more independent approach—following the drawings and working through manufacturing challenges with guided support. At the end of the course, their work is assessed, and they either pass or fail based on industry benchmarks.

A Pipeline for Future Engineers

This initiative isn’t just about education—it’s about investing in the future of the UK manufacturing industry. By bridging the skills gap, Pentangle Engineering is nurturing talent and helping students transition into full-time careers. In fact, one of the programme’s participants has already secured a full-time apprenticeship with the company, proving that the initiative is creating real opportunities.

Making a Lasting Impact

By committing their time and expertise, Pentangle Engineering is doing more than just training students—they are shaping the future workforce. Manufacturing needs fresh talent, and by engaging young people early, Pentangle is ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the skills, confidence, and industry knowledge to succeed.

Their success story is a testament to what’s possible when education and industry come together. Through this innovative partnership, Pentangle Engineering is proving that the future of manufacturing starts today.