COMPANIES and manufacturers have held their first meeting about a project aimed at connecting schools across the district.

Bradford Manufacturing Week’s first information event gave everyone the chance to hear from career specialists Aspire-igen, which is creating manufacturer partnerships with schools, and Bradford Grammar School student Nia Naru who spoke about the benefits of work experience.

Business sponsors Barclays also praised the project’s commitment to creating “job ready” young people through placements, partnerships and good communication.

A toolkit for the week was unveiled to support manufacturers in delivering good quality work placements, work experience, tours and visits while Bradford Council representatives talked through the support that will be offered to manufacturers in ensuring health and safety standards and are met.

Nick Garthwaite, who is managing director of international chemical and detergent manufacturer Christeyns, and organiser of the week, said the turnout was “fantastic” with schools and manufacturers signing up to the week, which runs from October 8 to 12, as a result.

He said: “This event was about giving more detail around the logistics of Bradford Manufacturing Week and the support that is on offer to schools and manufacturers to ensure everyone involved gets the most out of the initiative.

“From work experience and placement guidance to talking through the support available in having young people on site, Bradford Manufacturing Week’s partners are here to make the process as easy as possible.”

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Bradford Manufacturing Week aims to create 1,000 work experience days for the district’s teenagers, engaging with around 20,000 pupils across 75 schools. The information event showcased the district’s manufacturing present and future with the help of modern day artefacts, including an electro-hydraulic actuator, developed by Silsden manufacturer Advanced Actuators to help in the processing and movement of water in countries including Dubai, Qatar and Iraq.

Advanced Actuators managing director Chris Woodhead said: “Our product development and distribution is world leading and it was fantastic to hear how West and North Yorkshire Chamber, alongside its partners, will be helping more manufacturers like us, get young people through their doors to inspire, motivate and encourage consideration of a manufacturing career.”

To get involved visit the Bradford Manufacturing Week website bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk