Kewell Converters Opens Factory Doors to SEN Students Exploring Engineering Careers
Posted on Mar 10, 2026 Tags: Member NewsKewell Converters, one of the UK’s longest-established independent foam converters, is helping introduce young people with additional learning needs to careers in modern engineering and manufacturing through hands-on factory placements and school partnerships.
The Kent-based manufacturer recently welcomed students from The View School in Edenbridge and St Piers School in Lingfield, giving them the opportunity to experience how technical materials are designed, engineered and manufactured for sectors including aerospace, defence, healthcare and industrial engineering.
During their placements, students spent time across multiple areas of the business, from CAD design and pre-production planning through to the factory floor, where specialist machinery converts high-performance foams into precision components used in demanding applications. For many of the students, it was their first experience inside a live manufacturing environment.
Nick Kewell, Managing Director of Kewell Converters, said:
“One of the things we’ve seen through these placements is the real potential some young people with additional learning needs have in engineering environments. Manufacturing often requires focus, attention to detail and problem-solving, qualities many of these students demonstrate when they’re given the opportunity. Bringing them into the factory helps them see what they’re capable of, and it’s incredibly rewarding for our team to mentor them and watch their confidence grow.”
The initiative also coincided with National Careers Week, when Kewell Converters visited The View School to speak with students about careers in engineering and manufacturing, bringing samples of specialist foams and finished components to demonstrate how materials engineering supports industries ranging from aerospace and defence to healthcare.
Kewell Converters believes closer collaboration between schools and industry is essential to help address the long-term skills challenges facing UK manufacturing. The company is encouraging more employers to consider offering workplace visits, talks or work experience placements to help students understand the breadth of careers available in engineering and manufacturing.
