News: Rotherham manufacturers to drive the skills agenda

Manufacturers and engineers in Rotherham will hear former Master Cutler and Director of AESSEAL Gordon Bridge urge them to promote themselves as offering high-quality career opportunities to attract the best young people.

Gordon Bridge will be speaking at a special breakfast briefing where delegates will hear from the town's leading companies on how they are solving industrial skills shortages.

Mr Bridge said: "In my opinion manufacturing and engineering are too often seen as offering less glamorous career opportunities than other sectors; we need to change that view.

"In South Yorkshire we have some of the most advanced manufacturing in the UK if not the world. Manufacturers in South Yorkshire offer young people the chance to work on exciting projects that can literally change the world. The rewards can be amazing and have the potential to take dedicated young engineers anywhere in the world.

"We need to prove to young people that engineering and manufacturing is a first-rate career because we only want first-rate applicants as apprentices. We have to stand toe-to-toe with other industry sectors and insist that we get the very best young people in order to keep pace with the demand for manufactured goods in the growing economy."

Other speakers at the event include Vince Middleton from Newburgh Engineering Ltd in Rotherham who will be speaking about how his company is solving the skills shortage by investing in apprentices.

He said: "We are totally committed to growing our workforce through apprenticeships. Our experience has shown that there is real talent in South Yorkshire among our young people. With the proper training and support they become enthusiastic, committed and valuable employees – it's the way forward for our sector and we'd encourage others to do the same."

The breakfast briefing is being managed by Business & Education South Yorkshire on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service, Rotherham Work & Skills Board, Made in Sheffield and the Rotherham Enterprise Board.

The event takes place at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) on March 19.

To book a place for the breakfast briefing contact Nicki Burrow on 01709
336700 or email nicki.burrow@be-sy.co.uk

AESSEAL website
Newburgh website
Rotherham