Working with the Ahead Partnership and our headline sponsors Leeds City College, E3 Recruitment and Next Gen Makers, we have organised a packed programme of events that will run throughout the year.
Highlights of this year’s festival include exhibiting at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair, a manufacturing careers showcase to be hosted by Leeds City College, the launch of a new Excellent Engineering Employers Directory by Next Gen Makers, a series of ‘Best practice in manufacturing’ company visits for employers, workplace visits for school and college students and live careers events taking place in schools.
The festival will also see the return of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival awards, celebrating the achievements of outstanding young people working in the industry. Award categories include apprentice of the year, rising star, future manufacturing leader and employer of the year.
“Last year was the first time for the team at the apprenticeship fair and it was fantastic. The interaction with potential candidates and, in some cases their parents, as well as Leeds City College and the UTC Leeds was great. The interest shown in engineering was very encouraging and we’ve had an excellent response since with lots of CVs and letters already received.”
Iqbal Bahia / managing director, Kirkstall Precision Engineering
“The festival will give students and staff a unique opportunity to engage with Leeds manufacturers and learn more about working environments, careers and progression options. On a strategic level, the college's engagement with the festival will open dialogue about innovation and changes in vocational education and continue to build a collaborative approach to addressing regional skills shortages and the future talent pipeline.”
Gina Yates / Head of Careers, Work Experience and Progression at Leeds City College
