JB Springs’ David Whitfield was on hand to talk with hundreds of potential future engineers from the region’s schools at last week’s ‘Engineering Your Future’ careers event in Huddersfield.  

The event was organised by specialist recruitment firm maze8 Solutions at Kirklees College’s Engineering Centre on Wednesday 21^st March, in association with Kirklees College, C&K Careers and Huddersfield Town AFC.

The event was held to mark ‘The Year of Engineering’ and aimed to promote engineering as a career path to young people, raise awareness of skills gaps and opportunities within the industry, highlight the benefits of Apprenticeships and promote women in engineering.

Pupils from local schools took part in activities, watched demonstrations by college students and had the chance to speak to a wide number of engineering organisations who attended the event.

The event was opened by maze8 Managing Director Martyn Connell, Kirklees College Principal Marie Gilluley and Huddersfield Town AFC Commercial Manager (Partnerships) John Williams.

Martyn Connell said: “What we’re trying to foster is the fact that engineering, especially specialist engineering, is a career and a way forward.  There is a huge diversity in engineering available and in the careers it provides.

“Engineering is an incredibly exciting, positive career. It can take you anywhere in the world.  This event is all about trying to ensure that we get the right group of people, both men and women, and giving young people enthusiasm for the world of engineering.”

Cllr David Sheard, Leader of Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority member, said: “I hope this event inspires the next generation of apprentices, having showcased the vast array of opportunities available locally within the engineering industry.

“We want to see more young people, particularly female students, accessing sustainable careers in skills sectors that will help the Kirklees economy to grow in the long term.”

After the event, Honley High School tweeted: “Thanks so much! The students were absolutely buzzing when they got back to school! Lots with links for work experience now.”

And Moorend Academy tweeted: “Our Yr10 students had a great morning at Kirklees College today, increasing their knowledge of engineering and acquiring some very interesting facts along the way!”

Introduction to the Year of Engineering

Find out more about the Year of Engineering from this introductory video and look out for events and information from the engineering institutions and employers throughout 2018.