Lord Digby Jones Calls For Manufacturers To Engage With Schools

Online, January 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - British manufacturing, and with it the economy, has suffered hugely in the past few years, and positive action is needed to rebuild the status of British manufacturing as a global leader. The message for this is simple: the UK not only needs to invest in manufacturing's current workforce but in its future workforce as well.
In order achieve this, Lord Digby Jones has stressed the importance of attracting younger students into the world of manufacturing: "The UK will only get itself out of this economic mess if it trades its way out and sells its goods around the world. That means manufacturing! It is essential we have an education system which delivers young people who want to build careers in manufacturing and who have the skills and mind set to do so.

"That means encouraging businesses around the country to liaise with their local schools and introduce teenagers to the fascinating and worthwhile career opportunities in the vibrant and successful manufacturing sector. There has never been a better time to change this country's attitude and it is up to businesses to accept the challenge."
Lord Digby Jones' comments highlight the importance of the SIIP's, which will help schools and employers to work together to educate and enthuse students to consider a career within manufacturing.
Proskills SIIP's work by 'twinning' schools with local manufacturing employers so they can gain a full understanding of not only the work involved with the programmes they are taking part in, but the wider world of work and future careers within manufacturing.
The SIIP's are not just education programmes, they are national competitions where students can enter their work and compete against other students from across the country to win fantastic prizes for both themselves and their schools.
Terry Watts, CEO of Proskills, explains how the SIIP can have a positive impact on the British economy: "The future of Britain's economy lies within manufacturing, and the future of manufacturing lies in bringing through the next generation of skilled employees to push our sector forward. It is absolutely crucial that we convey the right message and show the fantastic opportunities that are available within a career in manufacturing. We need to show students that they can embark on a career that could really change Britain for the better."
Wayne Barlow, Director of Professional Print at Canon & Chairman of PrintIT!, Proskills flagship SIIP, said, "If manufacturing in the UK is to survive and maintain its competitive edge in the future, we need to look to this exciting talent pool and encourage these youngsters to channel their abilities into a career in manufacturing, be it in technical, creative or even sales and commercial related areas. We only have to look back at some of the greatest inventions of the 21st century, namely the internet, email and social media, to see the impact that such creative young talent can have on business."
Terry Watts continues, "Attracting the next generation into manufacturing is a goal that we all must work towards achieving, and it is by launching our Schools Into Industry Programmes that we hope to unite industry leaders with their local schools, giving the students a real insight into what manufacturing is all about, and show them that manufacturing is a sector filled with opportunity.
"If the future of UK manufacturing matters to you, we urge you to contact your local school and help them open up the world of opportunity it represents to young people. Find out how to get involved with Proskills Schools Into Industry Programmes by logging on to www.theits.org.uk."
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