APPRENTICESHIPS are a key part of manufacturing and to celebrate this year’s sell out Manufactured Yorkshire conference in Huddersfield on June 9 and 10, one lucky company will have a fully funded trainee for six months.

The scheme, backed by Kirklees College, is part of Manufactured Yorkshire’s commitment to its legacy to ensure that the energy and enthusiasm for manufacturing is continued in the next generation.

Conscious that the future stability of manufacturing is linked to its skills bank Manufactured Yorkshire believes the investment will have benefits reaching far beyond the apprentice and the company who win their services for six months.

“Manufacturing is a sector that relies on skills and has a heritage of training for the next generation to take up the baton,” said Event Director Chrissie Slater.  “Manufacturing companies love to take a recruit, train them and have them work alongside existing team members in the workplace inspiring them with a strong company ethos.

“We ran a similar competition two years ago and it was hugely popular and successful; inspiring companies who were not successful to take on their own apprentices.  We hope this year to do the same and by investing in a six month apprentice ourselves will support one local company during the early days.

Heckmondwike based 600 UK won the apprentice in 2013.  Managing Director, Mike Berry said: “We are proud to have worked so closely with Huddersfield Town Foundation and Manufactured Yorkshire and are really impressed with the level of young Yorkshire engineering talent.  Luis Lowe joined 600UK 18 months ago as an engineering apprentice, where he has made a strong impact with us and we are fully confident that he will continue to do so in the future.”

Melanie Brook, Vice Principal (corporate services) of Kirklees College added: "From research, we know that apprentices are more loyal, they stay with the company longer and the employer gains a better return on staff investment.  This is a real opportunity to mould and shape a young person whilst having the dual benefit of receiving bespoke training to meet the needs of their business." 

Companies can register their interest by visiting the Kirklees College stand at Manufactured Yorkshire on 9 and 10 June at The John Smiths Stadium, Huddersfield and filling in an application form.  The event is free for manufacturers and buyers to attend and those interested in attending can register through the website www.manufacturedyorkshire.com