The Leeds Manufacturing Festival, which is due to launch its 2022 programme next month, showcasing the diverse career opportunities on offer for young people in the city’s large manufacturing sector, has announced the line-up of organisations that are supporting this year’s initiative.

Leeds City College, specialist recruiter for the manufacturing and engineering sectors E3 Recruitment and accountancy firm Saffery Champness are all sponsoring this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival.

Beginning in February, this year’s festival will feature a series of events including careers panels, opportunities for young people to meet employers and visits to some of Leeds’ leading manufacturing firms. Online and in-person events will focus on the realities of working in a modern manufacturing business and the skills that employers require.

Gina Yates, head of careers, work experience and progression at Leeds City College said the 2022 programme would give students and staff a unique opportunity to engage with Leeds manufacturers and learn more about working environments, careers and progression options.

She said: “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.”

E3 Recruitment director Andrew Joseph said: “To address the skills gap that manufacturing and engineering faces, it’s more important than ever that we promote our industry to young people, advising them on the opportunities and careers that are open to them.

“I know from personal experience as a parent that there has previously been a void in students’ knowledge around career opportunities in manufacturing, and the festival plays an important role in showing youngsters and their parents what’s on offer.”

Saffery Champness partner Sally Appleton added: “We are proud to be supporting this year’s festival. The manufacturing sector is key to our local economy and we are keen to play our part in showcasing the opportunities available to young people in our region in this dynamic industry.”

Leeds Manufacturing Festival chair, Tracey Dawson, said: “The backing of our sponsors is vital to ensuring we reach as many young people as possible and show them just what excellent job opportunities and diverse career paths the manufacturing industry can offer them.

“Technical and practical skills are essential to the future of the sector and are currently in short supply so students will see that equipping themselves with these vital skills at an early stage will make them highly employable when they come to start a career.”