A CROSS Hills company found the winning formula in support of an annual manufacturing initiative.

Airedale Chemical has opened its doors to students to give them a taste of working in the Skipton Road plant.

The move was in celebration of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, when firms across the district link-up with schools and colleges to promote potential future careers within the industry.

Students from Parkside School at Cullingworth and Shipley College took part in a three-day work experience programme at Airedale Chemical, encompassing every department.

As the young people moved around the site, they completed practical tasks in each field of the business.

Activities included carrying out quality checks on products they had created, sourcing new suppliers for the procurement department, creating adverts for the marketing team and researching potential new accounts on behalf of sales staff.

Managing director, Chris Chadwick, said the firm was delighted to be part of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks.

“This is the second year we have been involved and it has been a really educational and enriching experience for everyone,” he added.

“We have created links and opened conversations with schools and colleges in our area that will lead to long-term meaningful relationships.

“We’re already planning future activities where we can share our knowledge and experience with pupils and where they can bring a fresh perspective to the business.

“One student was so interested that he is continuing talks with our human resources department about returning for longer-term work experience to help his hopes of a career in engineering.

“We have also hosted pupils from South Craven School at Cross Hills on tours of our site.

“It is so important for us as a manufacturer in this industry to be open and transparent with our local communities and to educate the next generation about all the opportunities in Bradford’s manufacturing sector.”

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, which runs until Friday (Oct 18), is providing nearly 6,000 experiences to students from secondary schools and colleges across the district. Over 65 manufacturers are involved.

Airedale Chemical – based in Cross Hills since 1994 – provides chemicals and contract manufacturing to markets including dairy, recycling and waste management.