IMechE Apprentice Automation Challenge

02/04/2026

Get ready to see innovation, creativity, and technical skill in action as 20 apprentice teams take on our real-world engineering challenge. We can’t wait to watch them collaborate, compete, and showcase their ideas, with apprentices from Niftylift Ltd, Ricoh Europe, MTC - Manufacturing Technology Centre, AWE, Thales, Leonardo and others competing this year. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4v3b0zz

12/03/2026

Every great build starts with a great team: at the Apprentice Automation Challenge, it’s not just about smart solutions and clever engineering — it’s about collaboration.

Want to get involved? Enter your team of apprentices for free before registration closes this Friday! https://www.imeche.org/events/challenges/aac-challenge/team-resources/register-your-team

05/03/2026

The Challenge is about more than building an automated device — it’s about building confidence, collaboration, and the mindset to innovate. We can't wait to see the teams get started this year!

03/03/2026

Time is running out to register your team for this year's competition; it's free to enter and apprentices will gain some valuable experience of working on an exciting engineering project that is as close to the real world as it gets.
Register here: https://www.imeche.org/events/challenges/aac-challenge/team-resources/register-your-team
Watch highlights from last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2b-_9f2LfA

Registration form and instructions for the annual Apprentice Automation Challenge, organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

19/02/2026

Engineering in practice: there's nothing more exciting than providing a demonstration of a device you made yourself!

18/02/2026

Unsure about joining our Apprentice Automation Challenge? Paigan Huish, Jamie Brogan and Oliver Lennox-Warburton share why they enjoyed taking part in the 2025 competition.

Apprentices can still get involved for 2026; register your team for free before 13 March 2026: https://bit.ly/49yLl7j

05/02/2026

Teamwork, problem-solving, and a few “aha!” moments along the way - a fun to the apprentices at the finals. Want to join this year? Deadline for entries is 13 March!

29/01/2026

When the judges pull up and suddenly everything needs “just one more explanation” 😅

22/01/2026

Collaborate to innovate: the backbone of the Apprentice Automation Challenge!

25/12/2025

A Merry Christmas to all apprentice engineers and their families around the world!

(AI enhanced for a bit of festive fun)

04/12/2025

Every year's it's inspiring to see Apprentice Engineers enjoy presenting their work during the Challenge!