Engineering and Manufacturing Task Group
East Sussex is a centre for engineering and manufacturing, with a wide range of size and variety of type. The county is known for its specialism in vacuum engineering with clusters of activity in Hastings and Eastbourne.
The Task Group meets quarterly to champion employability and skills and coordinate activities and support the to address the strategic priorities of Skills & Employment East Sussex for these sectors. The group sets a strategic plan annually in September, to drive forward partnership activities.
The Task Group includes representatives from local employers, these include
- Kurt J Lesker
- Marshall Tufflex
- General Dynamics
- Edwards Vacuum
- Interface Precision Engineering Ltd
- Focus SB
- Photek
There are also representatives from education and training and other stakeholders including
- East Sussex College Group (ESCG)
- Bexhill College
- University of Brighton.
- University of Sussex
- Sussex Council of Training Providers (SCTP)
- DWP Job Centre
- Institute of Directors
- National body support (including Royal Academy of Engineering, Engineering UK, Society of Operational Engineers)
The task group is chaired by Dan Wahnon of Marshall-Tufflex.
Chair Dan Wahnon, Operations Manager Marshall-Tufflex
As the Operations Manager at Marshall Tufflex, a British manufacturer of cable management solutions, I'm committed to ensuring that engineering and manufacturing sectors in East Sussex thrive with a skilled, work-ready talent pool. Chairing the Engineering and Manufacturing Task Group enables us to shape career pathways, influence curricula to meet industry demands, and strengthen ties between education providers and employers. Our efforts support not only young people's future in this sector but also the continuous professional development of educators, ensuring our workforce remains adaptable and innovative.
2025/26 Strategic Plan activities
| Partnership activities | |
|---|---|
| 1. Raise the profile of the sector | Work with national bodies - use and share their resources, access support and expertise, e.g. STEM Returners. |
| Submit a bid to RAEG for a year long careers campaign to encourage curiosity within the sector, increase the flow of job applicants and increase the profile of the types of jobs available in the county. | |
| Increasing the number of role models (particularly females and marginalised groups) from the sector as Industry Champions or engaged with the Task Group. | |
| Develop approach on the rebranding or changing perception of the sector, through careers hub campaign and other marketing tools. | |
| Promote sector careers to Key Stage 3, including progression pathways of careers. | |
| Develop job pathway video, poster and infographic for 'operative' role within the industry, recognising evolving skills due to AI/automation. | |
| 2. Help industry to engage with education | Continue legacy of the Engineering after-school club - promoting 1 and 2 week lessons as well as 6-week provision. |
| Continue to support and develop joint open doors opportunities where businesses are in close proximity. | |
| 3. Curriculum and Training Programme | Support delivery of Skills Bootcamp programme particularly those related to Engineering and Manufacturing - providing knowledge, opportunities, support and utilise networks to promote the programme. |
| 4. Widening the net of recruitment | Engage with the ESCC Transport team to highlight impact of travel challenges on access to work / input and influence Transport strategy and plans. |
| Support employers through the Transform service to increase the number of apprenticeships. | |
| Support delivery of the Connect to Work programme. Providing opportunities and support to the unemployed and employers. Utilising the network to promote the programme. | |
| Upskill businesses to support new and current members of staff. | |
| Making sure employment support and education providers are aware of general employment entry requirements for the sector. |
Engineering Task Group meetings
Contact Skills & Employment East Sussex if you are a sector employer, training or education provider and want details. Other than your time, and occasional travel, there are no costs to joining Skills East Sussex meetings.
The next meeting of the group is on 12 March 2026.
We use an action tracker instead of traditional minutes. The action tracker includes ongoing actions, decisions, the task groups strategic plan, and attendees/apologies.
Manufacturing & Engineering Task Group Meeting Activity & Decision Tracker 2024.2025 [258.5 KB] [xlsx]
If you have difficulties viewing or accessing these documents, or require the information in a different format please contact the Skills & Employment East Sussex Team.
Task group achievements
- Piloted a new ‘strategic plan on a page’ approach for the task groups, engaging national sector bodies to offer expertise and resources and insight and ongoing support for the group.
- Successfully awarded funding from the Royal Academy of Engineers Ingenious Awards programme for a pilot Engineering After School Club in Hastings during 2025. The learning of which is hoped to act as a blueprint for roll it our wider and into other sectors.
- Supported development and delivery of Engineering and Construction Tutor Encounters Day, a CPD knowledge and upskilling event for tutors on a specific sector. It is an opportunity to hear from employers, make connections, and inspire their students to consider a career in the sectors.
- Development of a new CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) course with East Sussex College, Hastings.
- Introduced job roles videos on the Careers East Sussex website, including CNC machinist and heat pump engineer, with more planned.
- Culture Shift led a project called ‘Your Town’. The project was funded through the Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious Fund. This allowed young people aged 11 to 18 in Hastings, Eastbourne and Newhaven to meet with engineers and find out more about what they do.