An Open House with a Difference: Colchester Machine Tool Solutions

Overview

The future of CNC machining isn’t just about machines — it’s about people.

Join us at Colchester Machine Tool Solutions’ European Technology Centre in Elland for an open house that places skills, training, and opportunity at the forefront.

With over a century of heritage behind the Colchester and Harrison brands, this event offers a unique chance to explore how modern CNC technology is being used to support upskilling across the industry — from experienced manual machinists looking to evolve their capabilities, to apprentices and early-career engineers discovering their future in manufacturing. This event has a bit of something for everyone, young or ‘more senior’. 

For the first time at a Made in Yorkshire event this year, we’ll be running a live, interactive poll during the skills discussion towards the end of the event. This won't just be 'another survey' either. It will be a way of capturing the real-time insights of local manufacturers in the room, using your experiences and challenges to spark targeted conversation. The aim is to make sure discussions are practical, relevant, and shaped by the realities you face every day.

Before the discussion however, you can expect hands-on demonstrations, ample networking opportunities, and valuable insight into Colchester’s plans to help bridge the skills gap, including the development of a new Training Academy in partnership with West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS). 

And to keep things fun, Colchester Machine Tool will also be running a light-hearted competition on the day, with a prize up for grabs. 

Oh and with a barista van on site, you can expect some seriously good coffee too!

Agenda

9:00 AM – 09:45 AM: Arrival, breakfast, barista coffee & open networking in the showroom
09:45 AM – 10:00 AM: Welcome from Made in Group & Round Robin
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Introduction to Colchester Machine Tool and ‘Setting the Scene’
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM: Facility Tour & Machine Demonstrations
11:00 AM – 11:40 AM: Facilitated discussion on machining skills, with a first-of-its-kind live QR poll capturing views in real time to spark a focused conversation shaped by the needs and challenges of the manufacturers in the room.
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM: Informal networking & event close

Who Should Attend and Why

Business Leaders & Factory Managers

For those responsible for growing and retaining talent, this event offers a clear look at how Colchester is helping industry bridge the skills gap. You’ll:

• See how younger employees and experienced operators can be upskilled together through accessible, industry-led CNC training

• Understand what practical support is being developed — including Colchester’s new Training Academy with West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services

• Take part in a live, interactive poll that will capture employer insights in real time, helping steer the conversation and spark meaningful discussions

• Explore how future-ready teams can increase productivity, boost morale, and reduce your reliance on recruitment alone

Young Engineers & Apprentices Already in Industry

If you’re already working on the shop floor or training within a member company, this event is all about giving you a head start. The world of machining is evolving fast, and this open house will help you:

• Build awareness of the digital and practical skills needed to become a confident, efficient machinist in the years ahead

• Understand how conversational CNC controls and modern systems work — and how they differ from more traditional setups

• Gain hands-on experience and speak directly with Colchester’s engineers about the expectations and opportunities that lie ahead

• Leave feeling more confident, more informed, and more excited about your future as an engineer

Experienced Manual Machinists

If you’ve been running manual machines for years and are curious about what CNC might look like for you, this is a low-pressure, practical way to explore it. You’ll:

• See how modern CNC machines are designed to be operator-friendly — not code-heavy

• Learn how your experience still matters, and how it can be transferred and built upon with the right training

• Hear about Colchester’s plans to support machinists like you through structured upskilling and training pathways