Engineering initiative gets support of region’s manufacturers
MORE than 50 business leaders have pledged support to a new initiative aimed at encouraging and supporting young people into a manufacturing or engineering career.
The initiative called work-wise is being backed by leading South Yorkshire companies including DavyMarkham, Sheffield Forgemasters AESSEAL and Firth Rixson with the support of Business and Education South Yorkshire (B&E).
The work-wise companies will offer a range of planned and structured activities for young people such as work experience, industry visits, competitions and challenges to understand about engineering.
A work-wise tool kit, training and support for company staff has also been developed so that experiences can be relevant, interesting and enjoyable, as well as a work book in which companies will track and assess student learning and development in becoming work ready.
Brian McKenzie, vice president for the UK and Europe at Firth Rixson, said there was a collective need to ensure engineering was recognised and celebrated as an asset as well as a viable career choice for individuals.
“We cannot just keep feeding off each other’s skill base. This not only reduces our individual ability to be competitive it impacts on the capacity of the engineering base for our region and the UK,” he said.
“Our first challenge as employers, is to create a pull system that encourages people into the sector who are enthusiastic and positive about future careers so that I never hear again I didn’t realise we still made steel in Sheffield.”
He continued: “Our second challenge is to collectively agree on some basic principles for a training and employment offer so that there is a consistent flow of skilled people across our industries.”
Jackie Freeborn, chief executive of B&E said she was yet again “thoroughly amazed” by the fantastic support from local businesses.
“Leaders from global and local companies coming together offering their commitment to our young people is why this programme will be successful in developing tomorrow’s talent,” she said.
