A COUNTDOWN has begun to this year’s Bradford Manufacturing Weeks.

The annual initiative aims to encourage the district’s school children to consider a career in manufacturing.

Led by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, the venture sees firms showcase the range of opportunities available.

Since Bradford Manufacturing Weeks began in 2018, more than 12,000 ‘experiences’ have been created for 14-to-18-year-old students.

Last year the event was held virtually, with over 4,500 young people taking part in online careers activities and video tours of manufacturing operations.

For this year’s event, which will run from October 4 to 15, organisers expect to offer a combination of online and in-person experiences.

And current apprentices will play a major part in the venture.

Among them is 17-year-old apprentice mechanical engineer Ben Bott, who took part as a pupil in the inaugural Bradford Manufacturing Weeks.

He has now completed his second year at Produmax and was named Outstanding Apprentice of the Year in Keighley Training Consortium’s annual Milner Awards.

“I didn’t understand apprenticeships when I was at school and that’s why Bradford Manufacturing Weeks is crucial to raising awareness of local career opportunities,” said Ben. “It kickstarted my career.”

Suzanne Watson, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “With 37 schools already signed-up for Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2021 and manufacturers taking advantage of our virtual event options, it’s clear that our fortnight of events has become an important part of the year for many schools.

“Bradford’s strong manufacturing sector has a responsibility to encourage school pupils to find out more about the opportunities for fulfilling careers on their doorstep and our programme of events this year – many led by current apprentices – is designed to do just that.”

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, delivered in partnership with Bradford-based school and career specialist The Opportunity Centre, this year includes a competition to create an innovative solution for waste recycling in schools.

For more details about Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, email Laura.dooher@theopportunitycentre.com or visit bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk.