Primary pupils harness the power of emerging technology

Pupils from 13 North Ayrshire primary schools were recently invited to a special STEM visit to the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) in Irvine.

Located at i3 Business Park, the DPMC is part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS). The centre is supported by the Ayrshire Growth Deal project and is a collaboration between the University of Strathclyde, operator of NMIS, North Ayrshire Council, and CPI.

West Kilbride, Dykesmains, Caledonia, Gateside, Glencairn, Lawthorn, Beith, St Mark’s, Abbey, Fairlie, Pennyburn, Woodlands and Beith Primary schools were all in attendance as the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) welcomed the young minds to the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) for its first interactive learning session for primary pupils.

The purpose of the visit was to give everyone the special chance to get up close to the emerging digital and intelligent technologies being developed and demonstrated at the centre.

Organised in collaboration with North Ayrshire education officers from the STEM and Digital Learning team, the action-packed visit was a brilliant example of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – being applied in local industries.

Skills Development Scotland research – the Regional Skills Assessment North Ayrshire 2025 – has shown that manufacturing is the highest value industry in the area, with an estimated net Gross Added Value of £713million.

North Ayrshire Council’s STEM and Digital Learning teams are at the forefront of leading the strategic development of STEM in North Ayrshire.

It is predicted that during the next 10 years, STEM industries across Ayrshire will require 7,100 workers to replace people retiring or changing careers. With North Ayrshire’s workforce also expected to grow by 700 people by 2028, it is imperative that the Council continues to create opportunities for young people to engage in experiences that inspire careers in STEM.

John Harman, Business Development Manager at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), was delighted to welcome pupils to the DPMC. He shared: “It was inspiring to see the pupils engage so enthusiastically with cutting-edge technology at the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre.

"The DPMC is about unlocking the potential of digital and intelligent technologies for our process industries and future workforce, from robotics and AI to 5G and data analytics, helping businesses become more productive, sustainable and competitive. Experiences like this help spark curiosity and confidence in the next generation of innovators, which is vital for the future of Scottish manufacturing.”

The visit was also a unique opportunity to better inform pupils about climate change and the circular economy and witness the practical application of STEM in operation through live advanced manufacturing technology and cutting edge wireless 5G.

From play zones with tunnels, slides and climbing walls, to solar powered shelters to provide comfort and safety for animals and humans alike, the team were impressed by the pupil’s social-consciousness and freedom of expression during the session's decommissioned wind turbine upcycling workshop. The pupils’ creations will now be 3D rendered and the DPMC team will share them with the participating schools for future inspiration.

Our Council Plan shows how the Council works in partnership to fulfil its aim of ‘A North Ayrshire that is ‘Fair for All’.

We want to become a wellbeing economy where we prioritise prosperity, wellbeing and resilience for our communities. This is why our Council is supporting young learners via hands-on learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom, to build a skills pipeline not only for the future of STEM, but for the future of all children and young people in North Ayrshire.

See some of the impressive emerging technologies demonstrated by the DPMC in our video below…

Published: 16 February 2026