Careers in Manufacturing

Manufacturing in Leeds and West Yorkshire is a thriving and diverse sector offering great opportunities and jobs that pay well above average rates - in some cases, much higher than salaries seen in other sectors. 

Of course, top rates of pay are for well-qualified and experienced staff or for managerial roles that carry a lot of responsibility.

But many employers offer generous training and in-work development programmes, allowing staff to sharpen their skills and work towards qualifications to help them progress.

And if you’re starting out as an apprentice, rates of pay in manufacturing are often well above the national minimum apprenticeship rates. Rather than taking out student loans to pay for your education, an apprenticeship also gives you the opportunity to earn while you learn

Alongside industry-specific apprenticeships in mechanical and electrical engineering, fabrication and welding, design engineering, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, many firms offer higher level qualifications in project management, data analytics, quality control and supply chain management.

You can also progress your career through team leader, supervisory and management qualifications, while many manufacturing firms are looking for people with skills in accountancy, business admin, sales and marketing

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Get involved

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Learn more about courses of study offered by Leeds City College School of Engineering,  UTC Leeds  and training providers such as Appris that offer an entry point to careers in manufacturing and engineering. 

PATHWAYS INTO MANUFACTURING

So, if anyone tells you that working in manufacturing is a dead-end job with little or no prospects, think again. Careers in modern manufacturing are better paid and open up more opportunities than ever before. 

SUPPORTING Manufacturers
  • Ahead Partnership
  • AW Hainsworth
  • Bensons Panels
  • Brandon Medical
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • E3 Recruitment
  • Faculatieve Technologies
  • Greyhound
  • Involution
  • Kirkstall Precision
  • LBBC Technologies
  • Leeds Galvanising
  • LWC Group
  • Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber
  • MA Ford Europe
  • Make UK
  • Medasil
  • Mpac Group
  • MPM Group
  • Northern Flags
  • OPM Group
  • Perry Uniform
  • Pland Stainless
  • Saftronics
  • Schneider Electric
  • School of Engineering
  • Sound Leisure
  • Sovereign Air Movement
  • Technical Control Solutions
  • UTC Leeds
  • Weidmann
  • West Yorkshire Combined Authority
  • West Yorkshire Manufacturing Advisory Board
  • West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services
  • WYCA ARUP

Secure your future: manufacturers need young people

There is a skills shortage at all levels of manufacturing with apprentices and graduates in high demand. Careers can be varied and rewarding, whether it’s working on the shop floor, in a profession or in management. Get involved in the festival and see how many different opportunities exist in Leeds.

What happens?

  • Get connected to the manufacturers of Leeds and their networks.
  • Talk to existing apprentices and people in manufacturing for a real life view.
  • Discover opportunities and routes to employment and apprenticeships.
  • To take part in our online events CLICK HERE

Benefits of a manufacturing career include:

  • Well paid jobs
  • Secure career opportunities
  • Varied and busy days
  • Working with the latest technologies
  • Designing the future and more