An ‘unprecedented’ number of school pupils are set to be involved in Bradford’s first ever week to showcase a career in manufacturing.
More than 1,000 young people aged 14-18 are now signed up to experience life with 55 manufacturers during the first Bradford Manufacturing Week in October (8-12) – with some schools expressing an interest in sending all pupils out into the manufacturing workplace.
As the 24 August closing date approaches for manufacturers to sign up to host visits, work placements and work experience, Nick Garthwaite, the man behind Bradford Manufacturing Week is calling for even more manufacturers to open their doors and accommodate an ‘unprecedented’ number of young people wanting to experience the industry.
“We have over 1,000 young people from more than 20 schools wanting to visit manufacturers across the Bradford district and in some cases, full schools are wanting to be involved. This level of interest means only one thing – we need even more manufacturers to open their doors and we need to know what they can offer us – and fast,” said Nick, MD of international chemicals and detergents manufacturer Christeyns and president of Bradford Chamber.
“We recently held a CPD day for teachers to take their advice on a toolkit we have created to help manufacturers navigate their way through the process of hosting pupils on-site and we and have responded directly to their requests for even more work experience opportunities to be created,” Nick added.
“When the schools return in September we want the largest possible portfolio of manufacturer opportunities to present to them – whether it’s tours, talks or work placements and experiences. We need manufacturers to get in touch now and help us help them take advantage of this incredible appetite for manufacturing information and experiences.”
The new toolkit, which is available to download on the Bradford Manufacturing Week website http://www.bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk/get-involved-bradford-manufacturers/ offers a guide to the Week, a sample risk assessment, insurance cover requirements and advice on hosting a tour or site visit. It has been written by school and career specialists Aspire-igen with input from local schools and Bradford Council’s Education, Employment and Enterprise team.
Bradford Manufacturing Week is the first initiative of its kind in the district and brings a week of events, tours, work placements, company visits and seminars in a bid to boost
apprenticeship numbers by creating more inspired, informed and ‘work ready’ applicants into the sector. The Week is being delivered with Bradford-based Aspire-igen and is supported by business leaders and sponsors, including Barclays Bank, Naylor Wintersgill, Mitton Group, Gordons LLP, the University of Bradford, Bradford Grammar School and Leeds Bradford Airport.
Joanne Sykes, assistant head teacher at Parkside School in Bradford, who has been supporting in the planning of the initiative, said: “We plan to send our 180 year nine pupils on work experience days throughout the week and expect that interest in manufacturing as a career will soar after the incredible insight created through Bradford Manufacturing Week.
“Bradford Manufacturing Week will help build sustainable relationships and open doors with businesses which has historically been a challenge for us as a school. Events like this are invaluable in educating parents and teachers who are so influential in choosing options and careers.”
The closing date for manufacturers to register their involvement is Friday 24 August. For more information about getting involved, visit the Bradford Manufacturing Week website www.bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk or email [email protected] or call 01274 206653.
