THE first Bradford Manufacturing Week gets underway on Monday with students form more than half of the district’s schools taking part in more than 3,000 work experiences.

The week gets underway on Monday at CarnaudMetalBox Engineering in Shipley, where students will see a demonstration of can-making technology and tour the factory.

West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has created the week-long event, siupported by Barclays and the Bradford Economic Partnership.

It aims to give students an insight into the world of manufacturing to inspire more young people to take up a career in the industry.

Nick Garthwaite, president of Bradford Chamber and managing director at chemicals manufacturer Christeyns, came up with the idea for the week.

He said: “We have spent the last six months actively engaging with schools and manufacturers through events, meetings, phone calls and correspondence to bring together businesses and schools and create meaningful experiences for the students.

“We have manufacturers who are visiting schools, groups of students visiting the manufacturers, work placements, work experiences, tours and Q&A events to maximise every opportunity for sharing information and inspiring young minds.

“The Chamber is leading two manufacturing sector initiatives because we want young people to see for themselves the exciting and progressive career opportunities it presents.

“Bradford Manufacturing Week is just the start of improving communication between schools and manufacturers and by showing just what an innovative industry this is, we believe we can turn more young people on to manufacturing as a desired career choice.”

Firms signed up for the week include Airedale Chemical, BASF, Whitakers Chocolate, Mansfield Pollard, Gordon Rhodes & Sons and Morrisons, and Bradford Manufacturing LIVE will take place at Bradford College on Thursday 11.