Member Article

Manufacturing event set to inspire the next generation

Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance group CKMA, is set to encourage and educate students at its ‘Make it into Manufacturing’ events.

In line with the national Year of Engineering, CKMA aims to showcase the crucial role that manufacturing plays within the region, as well as raising awareness for precision machining and engineering skills, in the hope of inspiring students to consider a career in this field.

The first of the two sessions is being kick-started on Tuesday 23rd October at Kirklees College’s Engineering Department. The second day will be hosted at Halifax Crossley Gallery, Dean Clough, Halifax two days later on the 25th.

The event will be divided into three sections, allowing attendees to experience the dynamic and varied nature of the manufacturing industry. The ‘Inspiration Zone’ will display numerous videos from local businesses describing what they do, and the ‘Interactive Zone’ will be a problem-solving room where people can get hands on with challenges. Finally, the ‘Meet the Manufacturer Zone’ provides an opportunity to speak to local companies, with experts from the region on hand to answer any burning questions.

Christopher Pateman, a CKMA representative, said: “13% of people employed in Kirklees work in manufacturing and over 12% in Calderdale, which shows how important this sector is for the region. With the event, we want to dispel the myths surrounding the industry that it simply consists of working on a shop floor – there is so much more to it, which will be demonstrated across the two days.

“In addition, we want to instigate change and inspire young people into this field at all levels. The loss of traditional engineering and machining skills is a threat to the future of our businesses and subsequently the local national economy. It is a demanding but highly rewarding skill to develop, which takes years to master and is something our county is renowned for. We want to promote manufacturing because we believe it is an interesting and well-paid career for the next generation of young people.”

Keen for this to be aimed at all young people, Chris added: “It is not only a great opportunity for STEM-focused students to come along and start planning their career next steps, but it is also perfect for those who are practical and enjoy working with their hands. This is a way of removing the institutional classroom environment and swapping it for a more practical experience of the sector, to unearth all of the different routes available.”

The Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Ambassador Co-ordinators are liaising with schools to bring in the students. Leeds Manufacturing Alliance as well as Bradford and Airedale Manufacturing Alliance are also holding events in October, in order to support the Year of Engineering.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Mallinson .