The event run by the Leeds Manufacturing Festival brought together a range of manufacturing businesses of all sizes from across Leeds to discuss apprenticeships and traineeships.
The Leeds Manufacturing Festival aims to highlight the opportunities that exist for exciting careers within the manufacturing sector and this event was key in getting manufacturers together to show them how easy and beneficial it is to make use of trainees within their businesses to bridge the skills gap for the future.
The morning session allowed delegates to listen to experienced manufacturers and ask questions about the costs, how to access support and of course how to get started.
The 3 main speakers were: - Julia Massey, Head of Employment Access and Growth from Leeds Apprenticeship Hub, part of Leeds City council, Paul Stead, Head of Sales and Marketing and Mark Godfrey Managing Director from Saftronics Ltd and Kevin O'Reilly Business Engagement Advisor from Leeds City College
- Julia outlined what was on offer, what the cost is to the business and the discounts available, and how to access help and support, explaining how apprenticeships are beneficial to both the individual and the business.
- Paul and Mark from Saftronics shared their business journey and how apprenticeships had and continued to benefit their business and brought along an apprentice, Jake Sheffield who later took part in the Q&A session.
- Kevin’s presentation from Leeds City College explained how the college can liaise with businesses as to what’s available and give businesses a clear direction on how to get started.
Following the presentations, Tracey Dawson Managing Director from Daletech Ltd hosted the all important question and answer session. She gathered the 3 apprentices in the room, Jess from MPM, Jake Sheffield from Saftronics and Amy Shenton from Daletech. The 3 apprentices were invaluable in getting across the ‘real world’ experiences that they have had, from becoming aware of the job to actually being employed as an apprentice.
What came out loud and clear was that businesses need to engage better with the schools and colleges and show the young people what careers are out there for all levels of individual. Make the opportunities real, not classroom debate, get out there and invite young people into the workplace and excite them with what is on offer.
It was a hugely successful morning and if anyone is interested in learning more or getting involved with the Leeds Manufacturing Festival (LMF), please visit www.leedsmanufacturingfestival.co.uk and fill out an enquiry form, or speak with Ben Wilson here at MPM on ben@mpmbradford.co.uk.
