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Manufacturing in Leeds and West Yorkshire offers well-paid, secure careers with routes into engineering, design, project management, data analytics and more. Many employers provide excellent training, development and progression pathways.
Manufacturing has a growing skills shortage due to an ageing workforce and rising demand for technical roles. Young people, apprentices and graduates are needed to drive innovation and support the future growth of the Leeds and West Yorkshire manufacturing sector.
LMF connects employers with young people through career fairs, school engagement, workplace visits, manufacturing showcases and apprenticeship events. These activities help students explore real job options and meet future employers directly.
A national shortage of technical skills, combined with experienced staff retiring, has created high demand for new talent. This shortage makes young people with engineering or digital skills especially valuable to the sector.
Employers can attract young people by hosting factory tours, joining school and college careers events, promoting apprenticeships and engaging with training providers. Working with the Leeds Manufacturing Festival gives businesses direct visibility to thousands of potential future recruits.
Many manufacturing apprenticeships pay above the national minimum apprentice wage, with salaries rising as skills develop. Apprentices also avoid student debt by earning while gaining valuable industry qualifications.
Manufacturing careers include roles in mechanical and electrical engineering, fabrication, welding, design engineering, quality control and supply chain. There are also opportunities in business support functions such as admin, accountancy, marketing and management.
Manufacturing careers offer competitive salaries, long-term job security and the chance to work with advanced technologies. The work is hands-on, varied and provides opportunities to create real products that shape the future.
Manufacturing provides well-paid, stable jobs with clear progression routes and constant demand for skilled workers. It’s an ideal choice for those interested in technology, problem-solving and practical, impactful work.