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Wed-Thurs, 1&2/7/26
A two-day celebration of all things STEM, designed to enthuse, inspire and engage young minds and introduce them to the opportunities STEM careers present. Manufacturing and engineering businesses in West Yorkshire are welcome to exhibit at this amazing hands-on event which also aims to showcase the region's innovative businesses and help guide the next generation (your future workforce) towards rewarding careers in STEM industries.
Exhibitor will be invited to deliver engaging, interactive sessions relating to your industry. The event is expected to attract around 2,000 students aged 10 to 14 years from schools across the city and this event provides a prime opportunity to showcase the exciting aspects of careers in STEM.
Thursday 11 June (6pm - 8.30pm)
Awards presentation evening for nominees, sponsors, participants and supporters of the 2026 Leeds Manufacturing Festival. The evening has become established as a highlight in the calendar for the Leeds manufacturing community and recognises the achievements of the sector’s ‘next generation’ talent with awards for apprentice of the year, future manufacturing leader, rising star and manufacturing employer of the year. A special award for 'Manufacturing Ambassador' will also be presented to the person who has done the most to raise the profile of the sector over the last 12 months.
Wednesday 25/3/26 (12 noon to 4.30pm)
This careers fair provides a platform for manufacturing employers in Leeds to showcase their companies and meet students from the School of Engineering at Leeds City College, UTC Leeds and other local schools. It offers a great opportunity to highlight the roles and career opportunities available in manufacturing to the next generation.
The event will include break-out sessions on CVs, interview preparation and work readiness and concludes with careers panels for students and teaching staff.
If you're an employer and would like to take part, please contact: jo.bourne@aheadpartnership.org.uk or Faron.Convey@aheadpartnership.org.uk
Wednesday 11/3/26 (8.30am - 10.30am)
Join us at Leeds City College for the launch of the 2026 Leeds Manufacturing Festival. Find out more about the festival programme, how you can get involved and hear how manufacturers, education providers and key decision-makers are working together to address the challenges of recruitment, skills and workforce development.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Ben Wilson, Managing Director, MPM Group
Verity Davidge, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at manufacturing employers organisation Make UK
Elisa Henderson, Early Careers Coordinator at water technology solutions manufacturer RSE
INDUSTRY PANEL
Hannah Wilson, Principal at UTC Leeds; Matthew Kaye, Head of Design & Marketing, Greyhound Box; Matt Booth, Associate Director, E3 Recruitment
The launch event will be chaired by Mark Casci, Head of Business Representation, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Leeds manufacturing and engineering firms will be hosting company visits as part of an inset day for teaching staff at UTC Leeds. The visits will include factory tours and meetings with team members at each company to help develop ideas for classroom projects and teaching based on the modern manufacturing workplace, processes and challenges. If you'd like to find out more or host a visit, contact Rebecca Baldwin, business engagement lead at UTC Leeds.
Wed 11/2/26 (1pm - 7pm)
Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair (LARF) is the biggest event of its kind in the North of England, attracting thousands of young people from schools and colleges across they city.
The fair takes place during National Apprenticeship Week and offers employers the chance to meet and talk to young people about apprenticeships and opportunities for anyone starting out on a career in manufacturing.
Leeds manufacturing employers will be represented in force at the event, exhibiting together on the Leeds Manufacturing Festival stand and will be advertising live apprenticeship vacancies on the day.