KEIGHLEY-district companies have once again pledged their backing to an annual initiative which showcases manufacturing to young people.

Keighley Laboratories and Eastburn-based Five Landis are among firms which have so far signed-up to this year's Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, in October.

The venture includes factory site visits, skills workshops, work placements and a host of other activities designed to show school and college students the range of career and apprenticeship opportunities available within the industry.

A launch event to begin the countdown to the 2022 manufacturing weeks, from October 3 to 14, was held at Christeyns UK Ltd in Bradford.

Representatives of manufacturers and schools were joined by guests including West Yorkshire mayor, Tracy Brabin.

Since 2018, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks – spearheaded by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce – has created more than 15,000 experiences for 14-to-18-year-olds across the district through employer-led activities.

This year's event, being delivered in partnership with Bradford-based school and career specialist The Opportunity Centre, will combine online and in-person experiences.

Features will include a Women in Manufacturing question-and-answer session, 'meet the manufacturer' and 'meet the apprentice' panel events, visits and placements, and activities tailored to pupils with special educational needs.

Sponsors are Bradford Council, E3 Recruitment, the University of Bradford, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, Naylor Wintersgill and LCF Law.

Ms Brabin told the launch event: "By bringing together the region’s manufacturers with schools and colleges, our young people get to see first-hand the creativity and innovation that is happening on their doorstep.

"As your mayor, I am championing our fabulous regional businesses and ensuring we have skills and training provision that helps people to get on. Our manufacturing industry plays a central role in this. West Yorkshire is home to more manufacturing jobs than anywhere else in the north."

Nick Garthwaite, founder of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks and vice-chair of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber board, said: "Every year, we aim to reach as many young people as possible and give them the experiences that will shape their views and career aspirations.

"We want Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2022 to be our most impactful yet, but we can’t do it alone. We need manufacturers and schools to register now to ensure we can plan for – and deliver – the experiences in schools and onsite which will ensure our young people recognise and reach their potential."

For more details and to register, visit bradfordmanufacturingweeks.co.uk.