Calling on manufacturers to get involved with region’s first manufacturing initiative

Organisers of Bradford Manufacturing Week are making a further call for businesses to get involved, as the countdown begins to the school holidays.

Founder of the week and president of the Bradford Chamber, Nick Garthwaite is urging manufacturers to register their interest before Friday 20^th July, when schools close for the summer.

“We are working hard partnering schools with interested manufacturers to create inspiring days of tours, work placements and work experience during the week 8-12^th October,” Nick explained.

“With around 30 schools already signed up and just under 1,000 children taking part in the week, we really do need even more manufacturers to step forward, register an interest and then open their doors.”

More than 50 businesses are currently signed up to take part in the initiative, with manufacturers such as BASF, Produmax and Whitakers Chocolates already involved. Working in partnership with careers specialist, Aspire-igen, Bradford Manufacturing Week has devised a toolkit that aids communications between businesses and educators, making the process more manageable for manufacturers.

The toolkit consists of a step by step guide to Bradford Manufacturing Week, a sample risk assessment, insurance cover requirements and advice on hosting a tour or site visit.

Of sponsoring the week, Victoria Wainwright, managing director of Naylor Wintersgill said: “We believe that Bradford Manufacturing Week is a fantastic initiative that will really highlight the strength of manufacturing in our district and showcase the products of Bradford. 

“We’d urge all local manufacturers to visit the Bradford Manufacturing Week website and register their interest so as not to miss this fantastic opportunity to inspire the district’s school children through hands-on experience and insight into the world of manufacturing.”

Bradford Manufacturing Week is being led by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber, along with . Leeds Manufacturing Festival will also run in October.

Discussing the reasons behind the initiative, Nick said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the next generation of skilled workers and minds. As a business, being involved means that you are able to help educate and shape the paths of potential future employees.”

To find out how your business could be involved, visit the Bradford Manufacturing Week website www.bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk, email bmw@wnychamber.co.uk or call 01274 206653.