The E&D Zone is the educational hub at MACH 2026 and is designed for students to explore what engineering-based manufacturing can offer them as a future career, to ultimately help them find their ‘pathway to engineering, the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), who own and organise MACH, said.
“We are delighted to be sponsoring the E&D Zone at MACH 2026, ensuring the event can showcase the engineering-based manufacturing sector to the next generation of engineers," David Jones, General Manager at Iscar Tools in the UK, said in a statement.
“We have all experienced the shortage of engineers in our sector and it remains a key issue for many exhibitors and visiting companies alike. Iscar Tools are keen to inspire interest in the sector from a young age and we believe the MTA’s work with schools, encouraging new talent to visit the show, is very worthwhile.”
A lynchpin of the E&D Zone is the guided tours of the exhibition. These tours, delivered by apprentices from MTA member companies, will allow students to learn more about the latest manufacturing technologies being developed and deployed, discover different career paths and opportunities and meet companies looking for new talent.
Commenting on the new agreement with Iscar Tools, James Selka, CEO at the MTA, said: “Attracting new and retaining existing talent in our sector is a significant challenge – but one that the MTA is determined to tackle. The dedicated E&D Zone at MACH is designed to inspire a future generation to consider the advanced manufacturing sector as an exciting career.”
More on MACH 2026
With nearly 3,000 students in the key age range of 11-18 expected to attend, MACH 2026 promises to provide hands on activities and be a showcase of what a career in advanced manufacturing looks like.
The zone is also supported by The Royal Navy STEM Outreach team, STEM Racing (formerly F1 in Schools), University of Wolverhampton, VEX Robotics, Worldskills UK, Siemens Plc, Harper Adams University, Imagineering Foundation and Renishaw – with further companies expected to be announced over the coming months.
“We are delighted that Iscar Tools have agreed to take the role of headline sponsor in this area," Selka added. "Their invaluable support ensures the MTA can continue to fund transport for those schools and colleges who otherwise might not be able to visit the event.”
Schools and students can register their interest in attending the E&D Zone via the MACH website where there is a dedicated group registration portal for schools and colleges. Spaces are limited so booking early is strongly recommended by the MTA. In addition, parents and guardians are welcome to register to attend the show and bring students with them – students aged between 11 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
As well as supporting the E&D Zone, Iscar Tools have a showcase stand within the Tooling Zone at MACH 2026 (18-340), displaying its innovative, leading edge technologies and unique cutting tools. Additionally, its products will feature in live demonstrations on many machine tool company stands throughout the show.
