Print Leeds, a specialist producer of labels for the bottled beers and soft drinks industry, is one of ten of the city’s manufacturing employers taking part in a series of careers talks aimed at Leeds City College students over the next two months.

The talks are part of a programme of activity put together by organisers of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival to promote careers opportunities in the manufacturing sector to young people.

Graham Cooper of the Leeds Manufacturing Alliance explained: “With the national lockdown in place it is difficult for students to hear about the world of work. Work experience is not possible nor are live careers talks or factory visits.

“So, we’re responding to the problems Leeds City College, one of the festival sponsors, is having in this arena by arranging a series of virtual careers talks for students in their engineering faculty.”

As well as Print Leeds, other employers participating include medical device manufacturer BBraun, Daletech Electronics, Excel Water and The Works Recruitment agency which is also a sponsor of the festival.

The talks are scheduled from January through to March, with business owners and managers talking to students about their own career path, the details of their companies and the roles they have available.

Students will then be able to put questions direct to business leaders and find out more about career opportunities, training support and what it’s like to work in modern manufacturing.

Abi Swales, work experience development lead at Leeds City College said: “I’ve been really pleased with the talks, we have had 90 in attendance over the two sessions so far which is great, and the students have asked some great questions.

“It's really beneficial for our students to hear the message that there are still opportunities out there for them after their studies despite Covid, so we really appreciate the efforts of employers and the Leeds Manufacturing Festival in getting all this organised!”

The talks will be recorded and made available to a wider student audience Leeds via the Leeds Manufacturing Festival website: https://leedsmanufacturingfestival.co.uk/videos/careers-talks