Regional Engineering Employers Driving the Skills Agenda and helping youngsters Get up to Speed ..

9th April 2015

The 5th Annual Get up to Speed with engineering and manufacturing event takes place on Wednesday 22nd April 2015 at its new, larger venue, The Magna Science and Adventure Centre in Rotherham.

Driven by the regions employers and headline sponsored by Tata Steel and The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Get up to Speed is a highly interactive event aimed at showcasing the manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors, its employers and employment opportunities to school children, students, parents and educators. The event aims to inspire; building confidence and knowledge in these sectors as a great place to work in a fun and interactive way. The Made in Sheffield brand is recognised around the world and the Sheffield region is renowned internationally for its expertise in high-precision engineering, metals production, new technologies and the high-quality design and manufacturing of products for a wide range of global industries. With manufacturing firmly placed on the national agenda, local companies understand the need to help celebrate and promote the manufacturing industry not just nationally and internationally but importantly locally to ensure that there are enough talented and skilled young people entering the industry to fill the regions growing skills needs. Steve Wainwright, Chairman of the IMechE Yorkshire Region explains -With the well documented shortage of engineers ahead of us, the Institution focuses a lot of activities on promoting engineering to the next generation. Here in the Yorkshire Region we have a proud manufacturing heritage, and still lead the world in many areas of manufacturing and engineering technology. By helping young people understand the wide variety of careers available, and above all, reassure them that manufacturing is alive, kicking and thriving in the area, Get Up To Speed will contribute to the production of a new wave of engineering talent that will go some way towards helping to plug some of the skills gaps we face going forward. Engineering currently accounts for 24.9 per cent of UK turnover (source: Engineering UK) - nine per cent higher than at the start of the recession. An increasing dependence on technology is making engineering skills more important than ever. The engineering community is increasingly involved in a collective drive to inspire the next generation, who will ensure continued growth and success of the industry. Explaining why Tata Steel get involved Mick Hood, HR Director says -Tata Steel has supported Get up to Speed ever since its inception and continue to see its importance in raising awareness among young people, teachers and parents of the exciting opportunities on offer by choosing an engineering or science-based career. Many local companies get involved in the event through The work-wise Foundation and attend with their apprentices to talk to young people about the opportunities and careers open to them. 5 years on some of those early visitors are attending as apprentices and graduates and telling their own stories and inspiring others. Get up to Speed is a free event which has already attracted well over 1,000 bookings this year and includes a wide range of hands on activities and is showcasing over 40 different business plus support and education organisations. Attractions this year so far include F1, Motorcycle, Luge and Canoe simulators, Virtual Reality Welding, University Formula Racing Teams, Tyre Change and Cycle Challenges, Hydrogen and Electric powered vehicles, Spirit of Goole Aircraft and a glimpse of what it could have been like with the Back to the Future DeLorean, plus much more. Anyone interested in attending or exhibiting should contact John Barber at john@work-wise.co.uk or visit http://www.getuptospeed.org.uk/ to find out more and register.