Virtual Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020 proves a success

Virtual Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020 proves a success

Last week Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020 came to an end following two weeks of live online events, which has engaged with 4000 young people, raising awareness of the career opportunities available within manufacturing.

E3R is a proud sponsor of this ground-breaking initiative for the third year running, which is designed to create more inspired, informed and ‘work ready’ applicants into the manufacturing industry. Over the past two weeks E3R has enjoyed being involved first-hand, having facilitated six of the live events, which showcased Bradford manufacturers to young people.

E3R’s James Soden facilitated two Apprentices Live sessions, asking the panel of apprentices questions, ranging from how they got into their manufacturing apprenticeships, what qualifications were needed and what can be gained, what a typical day is and their future career paths after their apprenticeships have been completed. These Apprentices Live sessions provided fantastic insight for the students who participated, with apprentices from BorgWarner, Christeyns, Produmax, Solenis, GESIPA, Airedale Chemicals, CarnaudMetalbox Engineering and Keighley Laboratories sharing lots of interesting information, including their highlights of being an apprentice so far and advice they would give to the students watching.

 

 

E3R also hosted and facilitated two Manufacturers Live sessions, where this time it was the turn of the manufacturers to take the hotseat. The panel of manufacturers were asked questions about the companies they work for, the apprenticeship schemes they offer, what they look for in an apprentice, their career journeys and the opportunities and challenges their companies face. Manufacturers which took part included: David Calder, Site Director at Solenis; Andrew Truelove, General Manager at CarnaudMetalbox Engineering, Andy Clayton, Senior Operations Manager at BorgWarner; Diana Scholefield, Managing Director at GESIPA; Craig Thomson, Finance Director at Airedale Chemicals; Julie Roberts, Finance Director at Christeyns; Louise Frankland, Managing Director Mansfield Pollard; James Finley, Senior Engineering Manager at BorgWarner; Frauzia Raza, Quality Manager at Christeyns; Andrew Longthorne, Operations Director at Acorn Stairlifts; Michael L McColgan, Managing Director at Ex-Pressed Steel Panels; Stephen Wright, Managing Director at Thorite; and Debbie Mellor, Managing Director at Keighley Laboratories.

 

 

Commenting on Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, E3R Director James Soden said: “As a sponsor it’s been great to play a key role in such an important initiative which has a positive impact on the manufacturing and engineering industries we serve. I’d like to thank all the manufacturers and apprentices that participated in the Apprentice Live and Manufacturing Live panels. It was a real pleasure to facilitate such engaging sessions where the students showed a real interest in both the industry and the people that serve it.”

“Being a specialist manufacturing and engineering recruiter, we know the importance of introducing young people to the industry and making them aware of the opportunities available to them. 2020 has been a very strange year for everyone, but no one more so than the young people who have missed school, exams and experiences which help shape their futures. Therefore, it was more important than ever that Bradford Manufacturing Weeks went ahead – and what a great result with 4000 young people engaging in the events over the course of the two weeks, which will ultimately ensure the industry has a pipeline of individuals wanting to join it, ensuring its future success and growth.”

In addition to the live panel Q&S sessions, E3R also facilitated a Produmax Tour with apprentices from the manufacturer of flight control components, giving students a site tour around their facility via video, followed by a Q&A session at the end, with students learning all about how the apprentices got their apprenticeships and what they do daily.

Turbocharger manufacturer BorgWarner also gave students a tour of their site via video, followed by a Q&A facilitated by E3R, with BorgWarner’s James Finlay, Katy Gannon and Adam Samuels sharing with students what it’s like to work at BorgWarner, the opportunities available, and details of their apprenticeship scheme.

23rd October 2020

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