More young people and teachers will be given the chance to get behind the scenes of the manufacturing industry thanks to an expanded government and industry scheme, Business Secretary Vince Cable announced today.
See Inside Manufacturing (SIM) involves businesses opening their doors to young people and teachers, allowing them a first-hand view of modern manufacturing and the exciting careers available. SIM will now be expanded from 3 to 10 sectors with 7 new industries joining automotive, aerospace, and food & drink.
Exit survey evaluation from the 2012 programme showed that:
- 90% emerged from events with more positive views of manufacturing
- 85% of young people will now consider a career in manufacturing
- 85% of teachers and careers advisors will now explore scope for more regular engagement between students and local manufacturers
SIM is part of the industrial strategy work to ensure business can attract the talent they need for growth. The full list of sectors taking part is:
- automotive
- aerospace
- nuclear
- oil & gas
- offshore wind
- construction
- life sciences
- electronics
- chemicals
- food and drink
The Business Secretary announced the extension ahead of a conference to mark the one year anniversary of the government’s industrial strategy being held next week.
Led by trade bodies in each sector, the SIM initiative will be expanded as widely as possible with a particular focus on those who are under-represented in manufacturing, including women, ethnic minority groups and disabled young people. Manufacturers in each industry sector will provide young people and teachers with insight on the diversity of career opportunities offered by manufacturing. This year the range of manufacturers involved will expand to include supply chain businesses and small and medium-sized businesses.