Mills CNC has promoted Darren Clarke to head up its CNC Training Academy operation following the retirement in April of previous training manager Karen Earley. Apprentice-trained Clarke joined the CNC Training Academy in 2017 as one of its three trainers at the time. He has a wealth of experience in the machine tool sector, including roles at Bridgeport, DMG Mori and ETG.

Clarke is already making his presence felt by making more use of the CNC Training Academy’s customer database and CRM system to increase sales of its operator and programmer training courses and improve operational and administrative efficiencies.

Other plans include making more use of the facility’s two dedicated CNC machine tools by introducing and offering intermediate milling and turning level operator courses.

More information www.millscnc.co.uk/training

“We don’t want to be seen as the exception, we want to be seen as the rule,” is the clear message coming from women in engineering and manufacturing. This rallying call is headlining In-Comm Training’s annual ‘I’m Included’ campaign, which has been launched to shine a spotlight on females behind engineering – showcasing their diverse roles, career paths and life experiences.

Backed by Enginuity and nine companies including Adams Enclosures, Assa Abloy, Filtermist, Industrial Physics, Jenks & Cattell, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) and Safran, the initiative will highlight stories that often go unseen. In particular, the stories celebrate achievements across different stages of an engineer’s journey and demonstrate how inclusion drives innovation and help bridge industry’s skills gap.

More information www.bit.ly/4ebIghu

The MTA has warned that newly announced US tariffs on UK exports risk becoming the tipping point for British manufacturers already under severe pressure from soaring energy costs, rising employment taxes and chronic skills shortages. The new tariffs, reportedly ranging from 10 to 12.5%, apply to dozens of countries including the UK. The MTA says the situation underlined the urgent need for the UK Government to strengthen the domestic foundations of manufacturing competitiveness, rather than leaving firms exposed to international trade shocks while carrying avoidable costs at home.

More information www.mta.org.uk

Manchester Metrology is hosting its 2026 open day on 14 July (10:00-15:00), featuring live, hands-on demonstrations that showcase the latest additions to its range of equipment. The company is inviting visitors to its facility in Ashton-under-Lyne to take a tour of the site, meet the team, and learn how Manchester Metrology’s equipment, services and software can support businesses and projects.

Live demonstrations are set to include the latest portable arms, 3D scanners, laser trackers, CMMs and 3D printers. Tour areas will extend from the CMM room to the servicing, calibration and repair room, as well as the 3D printing room. Selected Manchester Metrology partners and suppliers will also be showcasing products. Complementary food and drinks will be available throughout the day.

More information www.manchester-metrology.co.uk