Road safety is a global priority, and ensuring vehicles meet the highest standards is a shared responsibility among manufacturers, regulators, and safety organisations. During International Road Safety Week, Encocam highlights its ongoing contributions to vehicle safety through its specialist brand, Cellbond.
From manufacturing crash test barriers, mobile trolleys, crash test dummies (also know as anthropomorphic test devices or ATDs), spare parts, headforms, legforms, and finite element (FE) simulation, Cellbond delivers end-to-end vehicle safety solutions. Our work not only supports regulatory compliance but also accelerates safer vehicle design worldwide.
Encocam & Cellbond: End-to-End Vehicle Safety Solutions
Through Cellbond, Encocam provide a complete safety ecosystem that combines design and development, testing, manufacturing, calibration, simulation and certification. By controlling the process from design through to delivery, we ensure accuracy, repeatability and regulatory compliance at every stage. We manufacture the critical components used in automotive safety testing, including:
- Deformable aluminium crash test barriers for frontal. side and offset impact testing
- Mobile crash trolleys for side impact testing
- Impactors to simulate collision forces
- Headforms for pedestrian and occupant testing
- Crash test dummies, spare parts and related instrumentation
- Sensors
- On site or online product training
In-house manufacturing ensures that each component meets strict quality and safety standards, supporting accurate and reliable test outcomes for vehicle manufacturers and regulatory bodies worldwide. Additionally, Cellbond provides dummy certification services, verifying Cellbond’s conformity to international standards.
Realistic Testing With Crash Test Barriers, Impactors and Headforms
Physical testing remains a cornerstone of vehicle safety. Cellbond’s deformable crash test barriers replicate real-world collision dynamics, enabling car manufacturers and safety laboratories to evaluate vehicle structure and occupant protection accurately. Paired with impactors, headforms and ATDs, these barriers allow end-users to:
- Assess vehicle crashworthiness under multiple scenarios
- Evaluate energy absorption and deformation characteristics
- Test restraint systems, interiors and safety technologies
- Ensure compliance with international safety standards
Cellbond deformable aluminium crash test barriers, mobile barrier trolleys, ATDs or crash test dummies, legforms, headforms, and FE models are used by leading global safety programmes including Euro NCAP , IIHS, and NHTSA, ensuring consistency and reliability in vehicle safety evaluations worldwide.
Advanced Finite Element (FE) Simulation and Collaborative Engineering
Encocam and Cellbond complement physical testing with advanced FE simulation, enabling engineers to model structural response, deformation and energy absorption under crash conditions.
This simulation led approach allows:
- Early optimisation of barrier and ATD designs
- Reduced development risk by validating concepts before physical testing
- Integration with manufactured components to ensure predictive accuracy
Cellbond works in collaboration with leading partners including Altair, Arup, ATD-Models GmbH and Phitec, ensuring that FE models replicate real-world crash scenarios and comply with all current regulatory requirements. By combining in-house manufacturing, certified ATDs, impactors, headforms, physical testing and FE models, Encocam provides a fully integrated solution that accelerates vehicle safety development while maintaining regulatory compliance. Vehicle safety regulations are essential for protecting road users. Cellbond’s systems and services help manufacturers and regulators comply with international automotive safety standards including:
- Euro NCAP – Evaluating vehicle crash performance in Europe
- ILLHS – Assessing vehicle safety and crashworthiness in North America
- NHTSA – Enforcing federal motor vehicle safety standards in the US
By providing reliable, certified and repeatable testing systems, Encocam ensures that vehicles meet or exceed regulatory requirements, enabling safer road conditions globally.
Road safety is a global challenge, and Encocam operates internationally to deliver its solutions wherever they are needed. We have offices in the UK, Germany, Spain, US, Japan, Korea, and China to provide regional technical and engineering support, as well as agents in India to extend reach into across high-growth automotive markets. This worldwide footprint allows us to collaborate with local manufacturers, test laboratories and regulators, ensuring our safety innovations are accessible, compliant, and aligned with global safety standards.
Collaboration at the heart of safer roads
Encocam’s approach to road safety is collaborative, working with Automotive OEMs, consumer organisations, simulation and engineering partners, and regulatory bodies. By integrating manufacturing, testing, simulation and certification, we deliver solutions that enhance occupant and pedestrian protection, accelerate safer vehicle design and improve compliance with international safety regulations.
Our commitment to safer roads today and tomorrow
During International Road Safety Week 2026, Encocam reaffirms its dedication to advancing vehicle safety through:
- Engineering Excellence
- Global Collaboration
- Integrated end-to-end testing and certification solutions
Every deformable aluminium crash test barrier, crash test dummy, headform, legform impactor and FE model developed by Cellbond contributes to safer vehicles, safer regulatory compliance, and fewer injuries and fatalities on the road worldwide. We will continue to innovate and collaborate, delivering safer solutions for all vulnerable road users.
Please contact us to find out more about the Cellbond range of products and services
To find out about our other brands, use these links: Cellbond Impact Solutions, Bespoke Composite Panels, Corex Honeycomb
Encocam is a global engineering and manufacturing business with a powerful purpose: to protect people, save lives, and enable innovation. We seek out opportunities – for development, collaboration, and innovation – and we believe the future of engineering depends on inspiring and supporting the next generation.
This article is written for young people, and also for parents, carers, teachers, and careers advisors who want clear, honest, and encouraging information about engineering careers. Whether you enjoy practical problem‑solving, cutting‑edge technology, or making a real‑world difference, engineering at Encocam can be a life‑changing pathway.
Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeships and Engineering Careers
What Is a Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship?
A Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship is a hands‑on, paid route into engineering that combines: Practical, On‑the‑job experience, Formal technical education and mentoring from skilled engineers and technicians
Apprentices work alongside experienced professionals while gaining nationally recognised qualifications. It is a respected alternative to university – and for many, a faster and more practical route into a rewarding engineering career.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship in Engineering?
Engineering apprenticeships are ideal for people who:
- Enjoy learning by doing
- Like understanding how things work
- Want strong career prospects without student debt
- Are curious, practical and motivated
At Encocam, apprentices contribute to real projects from day one, helping manufacture advanced structures used across automotive, aerospace, defence, energy, and safety‑critical sectors.
Skills You Will Learn
As a Manufacturing Technician apprentice, you may develop skills in:
- Advanced manufacturing processes
- Composite materials and lightweight structures
- Precision assembly and quality control
- Reading engineering drawings and specifications
- Computer-aided manufacturing and inspection
- Health, safety and continuous improvement
You’ll also build valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem‑solving, and time management – skills that employers actively seek.
Long‑Term Career Opportunities
An apprenticeship is not the end – it is the beginning.
Many apprentices progress into roles such as: Manufacturing or Production Engineer, Design or Development Engineer, Quality or Process Engineer, Project or Operations Manager, Engineering Team Leader.
With experience, further training, and ambition, apprentices can build long‑term, well‑paid careers with opportunities to work internationally and across multiple industries.
Supporting Parents, Carers, and Educators
Engineering apprenticeships are:
- Highly respected by employers
- Aligned with national skills needs
- Supported by structured training frameworks
- Proven pathways into stable, future-focused careers
For young people who thrive in practical and technical environments, an apprenticeship can be just as powerful – and often more suitable – than a traditional academic route.
Engineering That Saves Lives – Why It Matters
Engineering That Saves Lives – Why It Matters
Engineering is not just about machines and materials – it is about people.
At Encocam, engineering plays a vital role in life‑saving applications, from vehicle safety to sports injury reduction. Our work helps engineers, researchers, and safety organisations around the world design systems that protect lives.
Crash Test Dummies and Human Surrogates
Crash test dummies and advanced anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) are essential for understanding how the human body responds to impact.
Engineered components within these systems help:
- Measure forces on the head, neck and torso
- Understand injury mechanisms
- Improve vehicle and transport safety standards
Encocam engineers contribute to the design and manufacture of precision energy‑absorbing structures used in these critical safety tools.
Energy Absorbers and Crash Protection
Energy absorbers are engineered structures designed to:
- Manage and dissipate impact forces
- Reduce peak loads on the human body
- Prevent catastrophic failure during collision
They are used in: Automotive and motorsport safety systems, crash test barriers, defence and aerospace applications.
This engineering directly reduced injury severity and saves lives every day.
Crash Test Barriers and Safety Systems
Crash test barriers must behave in a controlled, repeatable, and predictable way. Engineers carefully design these systems to simulate real‑world accidents and generate accurate data.
This allows manufacturers and regulators to:
- Improve vehicle designs
- Set higher safety standards
- Protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians
FEA Modelling: Engineering Before It Happens
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) allows engineers to simulate crashes, impacts, and stresses before physical testing begins. Using advanced modelling techniques, engineers can:
- Predict structural behaviour
- Optimise designs for safety and efficiency
- Reduce development time and cost
- Improve reliability and performance
FEA is a key skill for modern engineers and a powerful example of how digital engineering supports life‑saving innovation.
Headforms and Helmet Safety
Headforms are precision‑engineered tools used to assess helmet performance and reduce sports‑related head injuries. They are essential in:
- Cycling
- Motorsport
- Equestrian Safety
- Reducing concussion risk
- Improving protective equipment standards
Engineering better headforms means better helmets, safer sports, and fewer life‑changing injuries.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For young people considering engineering, this work offers something rare:
A career where technical skill meets real human impact.
Engineering at Encocam is about curiosity, responsibility, and purpose. It is about using innovation to solve problems that truly matter.
Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeships (FAQs)
What entry requirements are needed for a Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship?
In line with national careers guidance, entry requirements focus on a young person’s aptitude, motivation, and potential. GCSEs (or equivalents) in maths, science, or technology-related subjects are often beneficial, but employers also value practical skills, problem-solving ability, and a positive attitude to learning.
Is an apprenticeship a paid job?
Yes. Apprenticeships are paid employment with structured training, allowing young people to earn a salary while gaining recognised qualifications and workplace experience.
How does an apprenticeship support long-term career progression?
Apprenticeships are designed as progression pathways, not end points. They can lead to higher-level qualifications, professional engineering roles, leadership positions, and in some cases degree-level study.
What training and support are provided?
Apprentices receive off-the-job training, workplace mentoring, and regular progress reviews. This aligns with best practice in careers education by supporting both technical development and personal growth.
Is an apprenticeship suitable for students who prefer practical learning?
Yes. Apprenticeships are particularly well suited to learners who thrive in hands-on, applied learning environments and want to see the real-world impact of their skills.
Engineering and Life-Saving Applications (FAQs)
Why is engineering considered a socially valuable career?
Engineering contributes directly to public safety, health, and wellbeing by improving transport safety, protective equipment, and injury prevention systems.
How do crash test dummies and safety systems support learning about risk?
They enable engineers to understand how the human body responds to impact, supporting evidence-based design decisions and improved safety standards.
What is FEA modelling and why is it a key employability skill?
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a digital engineering tool used across modern industries. It supports analytical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation – skills highlighted in national careers frameworks.
How does helmet and sports safety engineering protect young people?
Engineering-led testing using headforms helps reduce the risk of concussion and serious injury, directly supporting safer participation in sport and physical activity.
Can apprentices and early-career engineers contribute to meaningful projects?
Yes. With appropriate supervision and training, early-career engineers regularly contribute to real, safety-critical projects, gaining valuable experience while delivering positive societal impact.