PRIME Minister Theresa May has thrown her weight behind the first Bradford Manufacturing Week. 

The scheme, which runs until Friday, has been created by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, with support from Barclays and the Bradford Economic Partnership.

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

Mrs May said the week is a “great opportunity” to showcase future job prospects and careers for young people in the area. 

Students from more than half of the district’s schools are due to take part in more than 3,000 work experiences in the sector across the week. 

“I would like to wish everyone involved in Bradford Manufacturing Week good luck for the days ahead and congratulate Bradford Chamber of Commerce, as well as the sponsors and businesses taking part, for making it happen,” Mrs May said.

“Bradford Manufacturing Week is a great opportunity to demonstrate how our strong economy and modern industrial strategy is enabling business to thrive across all sectors, as well as enabling future generations to see the potential of a career in the manufacturing industry.”

Meanwhile, Bradford South MP Judith Cummins has said the city's "manufacturing might" is vital for its future.

The Labour MP attended the launch event in Shipley at CarnaudMetalbox Engineering, where she heard about plans to deliver 1,000 work experience days and increase the take-up of apprenticeships. She has also visited Nufarm, a crop protection chemicals company based in Wyke.

Mrs Cummins said: “It is absolutely fantastic be involved with Bradford Manufacturing Week and I am thrilled to be supporting it. My constituency - and Bradford as a whole - is a full of brilliant manufacturing businesses, and I visit them regularly and see the great work they are doing. This week is our chance to show this kind of work off to the widest possible audience. 

“We as a city have the youngest population in the country and businesses that export all over the world. I want more of our young people to be considering a career in manufacturing.”

She added: “Bradford has the potential to be a major engine of the Northern Powerhouse and to lead the way in rebalancing our economy. Combining the skills of our young people and our manufacturing might is vital for Bradford’s future.”

Chemicals manufacturer Christeyns, based on Rutland Street, off Wakefield Road, Bradford, has opened its doors to students as part of the event.

As well as work experience days, the firm is also providing a series of factory tours for schools and students.

Managing Director Nick Garthwaite said: "Bradford has a thriving manufacturing sector that offers a wealth of exciting and fulfilling career paths. Sadly, the sector doesn’t always get the publicity that other industries attract, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase what Bradford manufacturers have to offer."

Cross Hills-based Airedale Chemical is also giving students the opportunity to tour the site and technical laboratory, plus a chance to meet teams in the marketing, accounts, transport and health and safety departments.