About

Inspiring the next generation of manufacturers, engineers, innovators and apprentices, the Leeds Manufacturing Festival builds meaningful connections and unites young people, education and industry helping to secure the future of our region’s skill base.

Powered by Leeds’ manufacturing community, the Leeds Manufacturing Festival is a year-round initiative for young people to explore hands-on careers, meet real employers and understand the exciting, high-skilled world of engineering and production right here in our city.

Run by the Leeds Manufacturing Alliance, supported by sponsors, the festival aims to promote greater awareness of the range and depth of career opportunities in manufacturing present for young people in the region.

Working with our headline sponsors Leeds City College, E3 Recruitment, Enginuity, Made in Yorkshire, Leeds Beckett University, Made Smarter (Yorkshire & Humber), Next Gen Makers and Leeds City College School of Engineering, we organise a packed programme of events to run throughout the year.

Festival highlights include the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair, a manufacturing careers showcase to be hosted by Leeds City College, workplace visits for school and college students, STEM Fest and live careers events taking place in schools.

The annual Leeds Manufacturing Festival awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding young people working in the industry, with awards including apprentice of the year, rising star, future manufacturing leader and employer of the year.

“Attracting young people into manufacturing is one of the biggest challenges UK businesses face today, especially in traditional industries like textiles. There’s a perception problem. Many young people don’t see manufacturing as modern, dynamic, or relevant to their ambitions. As a heritage woollen mill based in Leeds, we’ve felt that first-hand. It’s not just about filling vacancies, it’s about making sure the next generation sees a future here, one that’s meaningful, innovative, and full of opportunity. 

Amanda McLaren / Managing Director, AW Hainsworth & Sons

“Working with the festival, and meeting the young people taking part, has turbo-charged our apprenticeship programme. We have gone from five or six students applying to be apprentices, to this year receiving more than 60 great quality applications - and that simply would not have happened without us being a part of the festival.”

Richard Eaglen / Managing Director, LWC Group Ltd

About

Inspiring the next generation of manufacturers, engineers, innovators and apprentices, the Leeds Manufacturing Festival builds meaningful connections and unites young people, education and industry helping to secure the future of our region’s skill base.

Run by the Leeds Manufacturing Alliance, supported by sponsors, the festival aims to promote greater awareness of the range and depth of career opportunities in manufacturing present for young people in the region.

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