Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2024 Summary
The curtain has fallen on the most successful Bradford Manufacturing Weeks yet.
This year saw a massively expanded programme of events to try and bring young people and manufacturers together.
Run by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and SkillsHouse, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks brings manufacturers, schools and young people together through tours, work experience, seminars, exhibitions and learning events held at manufacturer premises and key locations across the district.
Proceedings got underway with an Employer and Apprentice panel at Keighley College on October 8, with a follow up event being held the following week.
This was followed up on October 9 by the Net Zero Dragon’s Den event at the University of Bradford’s STEM centre, sponsored by Northern Gas Networks, Bechtle and Yorkshire Water.
This was followed by an Apprenticeship Panel held at New College. Kam Dhillon (Mansfield Pollard) and Calvin Bowers (APPRIS Apprenticeship Training) hosted a diverse panel of manufacturing industry apprentices.
Next up was an Amey Challenge Cup at the University of Bradford on October 16, aimed at young women in years 8 and 9.
Women in Manufacturing was the theme of the next event, held at Bronte Girls Academy, with contributions from event sponsor Solenis, as well as Azets, Christeyns, Mansfield Pollard and the University of Bradford.
Go Kart building events were held on the University of Bradford and Byworth Boilers on October 17 and 18 followed by an inspiring young women event at Mansfield Pollard on October 17.
Finally, Produmax hosted a leaders in Advanced Manufacturing and aerospace engineering event.
Mark Cowgill, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “Bradford has one of the finest manufacturing sectors in the country and Bradford Manufacturing Weeks has done so much good work in giving it new blood.
“Manufacturing can give you a well-paid, secure and incredibly interesting career that can take your work across the planet.”
A spokesperson added: “Since its inception in 2018 Bradford Manufacturing Weeks has gained real traction and is now very much an important part of the school year for many.
“Your involvement secures a strong relationship between the manufacturing industry and the future workforce coming through the education system. By offering your support, you can help guide students into a specific line of work, educating them on the various career path options available and the skills required to do certain jobs within the industry. Who better to provide information and create discussions with the next generation!
“Administered by Bradford Chamber of Commerce and the Bradford & Airedale Manufacturing Alliance for the past six years, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks has connected 15,000 students in the region to the manufacturing sector, helping to launch many a career in the sector.
“Now is a great time to showcase the outstanding manufacturing companies we have in the region.”
Sponsorship for this year’s events comes from Azets, NatWest, Solenis and the University of Bradford.
