Firm breaking mould on gender wants to inspire next generation
AN INITIATIVE that encourages young people to look towards a career in manufacturing has launched a campaign that aims to highlight some of the sector’s brightest women.
Bradford Manufacturing Week takes place between October 8 and 12 and air management firm Mansfield Pollard is offering site tours, work experience days and talks to the district’s young people.
Joanna Robinson, managing director,runs a business that breaks the industry mould when it comes to gender balance, with 60 per cent of their board made up of female directors. She is joined by finance director, Allison Howgate, and sales director, Louise Frankland.
She said: “As one of the few women in this industry, I believe that I have a responsibility to promote career opportunities for both sexes and in particular I hope that my example inspires other women to pursue careers in manufacturing.
“Being involved with initiatives such as Bradford Manufacturing Week give us chance to speak to the young people in our community and inspire them to follow in our footsteps.”
Bradford Manufacturing Week aims to engage with around 75 local schools, to create 1,000 work experience days across the Bradford district. With headline sponsorship from Barclays, more than 1,000 school students are already signed up for a week of events, tours, work placements, company visits and seminars from October 8.
Bradford Manufacturing Week is the brainchild of Nick Garthwaite, president of Bradford Chamber and managing director of international chemicals and detergents manufacturer, Christeyns.