A Kendal bike components manufacturer is accelerating its digital transformation after teaming up with a mechanical engineering student through Made Smarter’s Digital Internship Programme.

Ratio Technology brought in University of Sheffield student Jonah Monks to help modernise its CNC machining processes, apply virtual reality and digital twin technologies, and introduce new digital tools to improve manufacturing efficiency.

The paid three-month placement gave the growing business access to specialist engineering expertise at a critical stage in its development, while enabling real-time improvements on the shop floor.

Tom Simpson, Director at Ratio Technology, said: “The internship allowed us to bring in additional engineering expertise sooner than our cashflow would otherwise have allowed, supporting our continued growth.

“Jonah helped modernise our CNC processes and reduce waste, brought a fresh, external perspective to improving how our lathe functions, and supported product development.”

During the placement, Jonah combined digital tools with practical engineering, automating processes and contributing to research and development activity within the business.

Jonah Monks, a student at the University of Sheffield, said: “I’ve been able to combine digital tools with practical engineering, automating processes and supporting real R&D work on the shop floor.

“It’s given me valuable insight into how digital technologies are used in manufacturing.”

The internship was delivered through Made Smarter North West, the government-backed adoption programme supporting SME manufacturers with digital transformation.

Over the past year, the programme’s latest cohort of 18 interns have worked on projects spanning robotics, automation, AI, data analytics, CNC workflows and wider workflow digitisation.

Donna Edwards, Programme Director for Made Smarter North West, said: “These digital internships are delivering exactly what manufacturers need, practical digital skills and fresh thinking, while giving students and graduates paid, hands-on experience on real industrial projects, and a direct stepping stone into employment.”

Since its inception in 2019, Made Smarter has supported over 2,500 manufacturers across the North West, providing access to expert digital advice, technology adoption roadmaps, skills development opportunities, and funded technology projects.

Find out more about the Digital Internship programme and read the recent white paper, visit the website here.