Schools encouraged to sign up to virtual manufacturing events

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce (@WNYChamber) has announced its 2020 manufacturing initiative is transitioning online and features a competition for pupils to create a Sanistation for use in schools and colleges.

The ‘Creation of a Sanistation’ will be open to pupils aged 14-18 and carries a cash prize of £500 for the winning school. It is part of a series of events held between 5-16 October to mark Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020, an initiative which aims to create more inspired, informed and ‘work ready’ applicants into the sector.

Nick Garthwaite, Chair of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, founder of the initiative and Managing Director of international chemicals and detergents manufacturer Christeyns, said there is an appetite from schools for the careers-focussed event to take place.

“We’ve had a number of online meetings with teachers across the district and correspondence with manufacturers and we know there is a desire to give students the opportunity to once again learn more about our wonderful world of manufacturing.

“Given the current interest in all things hygiene, we’re asking students to tap into their inner manufacturer, partner up with their peers and, with the guidance of local manufacturing mentors, design and produce a Sanistation for use by their fellow students.

“We want to see solutions which include design, functionality, robustness and the creation of something which is fun to use – this will be a perfect demonstration of how IT is a key part of today’s manufacturing research and development and we’re expecting so see highly creative entries with cash prizes including £500 for the winner.“

Delivered in partnership with Bradford-based school and career specialists Aspire igen, and sponsored by Barclays, E3 Recruitment, Naylor Wintersgill, Gordons LLP and Bradford Council, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020 will showcase online activities including virtual tours of local manufacturing facilities, “Meet the Manufacturer” Q&A sessions, Apprentices Live with a panel of apprentices answering questions posed by students and online Barclays Life Skills sessions covering CV writing and interview guidance.

Nick added: “While the fortnight will run outside our normal methods of delivery with no physical meetings, networking or factory visits, we believe we can still make an engaging, educational and informative experience for secondary school pupils.”

Lee Collinson, Managing Director and Head of Barclays Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics sector

said: “As Bradford Manufacturing Weeks evolves, so too do our ways of inspiring, informing and engaging with students and we’re delighted to see the introduction of a research and development project.”

Nick added: “I believe that Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020 will support and encourage our district’s young people to see the future opportunities within Bradford’s manufacturers and in turn, ensure our sector is robust and has longevity with a pipeline of talented young people for generations to come.”