KEIGHLEY students are among hundreds across the district taking part in the fifth Bradford Manufacturing Weeks initiative.

Pupils from 40 schools – and more than 30 employers – are coming together for the venture, which introduces young people to potential careers within the manufacturing sector.

Keighley companies including Gesipa and Keighley Laboratories are involved in the project, which begins next Monday (October 3) and runs until October 14.

And amongst the schools taking part is Oastlers, in Keighley.

It and Bradford Oastlers will work with Cleckheaton-based Orean, which manufactures skin and hair products.

Katy Trewartha, the company's social and responsibility officer, says: "Our success has been built on the rich history of manufacturing in Yorkshire and a huge part of that is due to our local workforce, a growing number of which are school leavers and apprentices.

"Bradford Manufacturing Weeks is a fantastic way for us to meet the next generation of business leaders and ensure today’s students understand the range of fulfilling careers right here on their doorstep.

"We are grateful to Bradford Manufacturing Weeks for providing additional opportunities to introduce students to our business and helping us secure our future pipeline of talent."

The initiative – spearheaded by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce – includes work placements and factory tours, and events to support students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Robert Fairbairn, head of centre at Oastlers in Keighley, says: "Thanks to Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, we now have connections with a range of companies.

"We’re also entering a competition as part of the event which asks schools to focus on creating something in line with the UN’s sustainability goals. We’re hoping our students’ entry will be so good it’ll end up in permanent residence at Orean’s factory!"

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks is delivered in partnership with school and career specialist The Opportunity Centre and is sponsored by Bradford Council, E3 Recruitment, the University of Bradford, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, Naylor Wintersgill and LCF Law.

Features include university faculty tours, a Women in Manufacturing question-and-answer event, and virtual and in-person 'meet the manufacturer' and 'meet the apprentice' panels.

There is also a Dragons' Den-style competition – Tech for Good – open to students in Years 7-9, 10-13 and SEND categories. The deadline for entries is October 14 and presentations to the judges will be on November 17.

For further information about Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, visit bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk.