Bradford Manufacturing Weeks

Posted 31st October 2024

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks

What a month October has been here at Byworth HQ, as we’ve celebrated all things engineering and manufacturing during Bradford Manufacturing Weeks. This not-for-profit event aims to bring manufacturers, schools and young people together through tours, work experience, seminars and learning events across the district, and we are thrilled to have played a part in it’s success.

Endorsed by Bradford Council, Bradford Economic Partnership, and Bradford University, this event relied on the generosity of key sponsors and supporters which include Azets, NatWest, Solenis, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

We had visits, activities and panels throughout the two weeks.

Firstly, we welcomed a fantastic bunch of students from Keighley College for a factory tour. This was a great opportunity to show local students the level of manufacturing that take place right on their doorstop.

Then some of our current apprentices joined Engineer Alisha to talk all things manufacturing and engineering at a careers panel event at the local college. The careers event was attended by local schools and also gave students from all subjects to see what career opportunities are available in the town.

We were very excited to have hosted Day One of a Go-Kart building workshop in collaboration with Bradford College. Students from local schools joined us for an exciting day of tours, ideas, innovation and planning.

The students constructed designs and then presented their ideas to the rest of the group showcasing innovation and engineering. They then went to Bradford College for Day Two of the workshop, the go-kart construction day! Being involved in this project gave us the opportunity to inspire young people and encourage them to apply the skills and technologies we use in new and exciting ways!

Lastly, Alisha, Kirsty and new welding apprentice Emily spent a day supporting the women in engineering event at Keighley College. Did you now that only 16.5% of engineers in the UK are women? That’s a shockingly low amount. Are young women just not interested in pursuing careers in engineering or do they lack the right support to pursue these types of careers?

In an industry that is predominantly dominated by males, we need to see more efforts being made to encourage young ladies about the exciting opportunities that are available to them.

We feel very privileged to be able to participate in these activities and events to help our local communities. A huge thank you to Alisha, Craig and the rest of the team, as well as Bradford College and Keighley College for putting on these events and inspiring young people to pursue a career in Manufacturing.