MANUFACTURERS in Bradford are being called upon to sign up for a major business event later this year before the school holidays begin.

The organisers of Bradford Manufacturing Week are calling for businesses to get involved and sign up for the event before Friday, July 20, when schools close for the summer.

Bradford Manufacturing Week will run from Monday, October 8, to Friday, October 12, and more than 50 firms are already signed up to take part in the initiative.

It aims to partner schools with businesses to organise factory tours, work placements, and work experience.

Nick Garthwaite, president of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce and founder of the initiative, said: “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.

“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.”

Working in partnership with careers specialists Asprie-igen, Bradford Manufacturing Week has also created a toolkit to aid communication between businesses and education providers, to make the process more manageable for manufacturers.

It includes a step-by-step guide to the initiative, a sample risk assessment, insurance cover requirements and advice of hosting a tour or site visit.

Victoria Wainwright, managing director of event sponsor Naylor Wintersgill, added: “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.”

To sign your business up, visit bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk or call 01274 206653.