Ideal Heating has given students a glimpse at the breadth of careers available at the company as it celebrates National Manufacturing Day 2024.
The UK’s heating market leader welcomed students from three schools and colleges across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to its headquarters in Hull for a behind-the-scenes tour of its operations.
Students toured Ideal Heating’s production, research and development and logistics facilities, and learned about the products and technologies which have helped the company become one of the UK’s top manufacturers.
Ideal Heating hosted the event to celebrate National Manufacturing Day. Organised by industry body Make UK, the day raises awareness of the diversity of careers and opportunities in manufacturing.
John Cook, Production Director at Ideal Heating, said: “It’s so important that we have the opportunity to introduce the next generation of manufacturers and engineers to Ideal Heating, so they get the chance to see what the world of work looks like.
“As active and proud members of Make UK, National Manufacturing Day demonstrates a partnership that is now providing real value and shaping the way we engage with schools and colleges.
“For young people who have not yet decided on their career path and ambitions, days like today are so important to open their eyes to what is available to them.”
Students from Wyke Sixth Form College in Hull, Goole Academy in East Yorkshire and The Vale Academy in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, had the chance to tour Ideal Heating’s impressive production operations.
The company recently celebrated a landmark in the history of its successful Logic boiler, when the five millionth boiler rolled off the production line.
Students also visited Ideal’s research and development facilities, and had a look inside the company’s environmental chambers which are used to simulate a variety of conditions and scenarios and stress-test the durability of products.
The group asked questions on the future of home heating, including the use of hydrogen energy, and learned about the thermodynamic cycle which powers an air source heat pump.
Ideal Heating is the UK’s domestic and commercial heating market leader. From its National Avenue headquarters in Hull, the manufacturer has been keeping homes warm for more than a century.
The business is currently embarking on a dramatic transformation, as it pivots away from the traditional gas-powered products which have helped it become the major UK manufacturer it is today, to renewable technologies including heat pumps.
Ideal Heating is mid-way through a £60m investment programme at National Avenue, focused on its manufacturing, distribution and research and development facilities, as part of its transition to low carbon heating products.
Ethan Pygas, 17, is currently studying maths, physics and biology at Wyke Sixth Form College in Hull.
He said: “I’m currently looking at going into the automotive engineering industry. It started out as an interest in cars and Formula One, and then evolved into the engineering and design behind them.
“I really enjoyed the Ideal Heating tour. It was interesting to see the different components and materials which go into production, and also to learn how the business is moving towards heat pumps.
“I asked a question at the end on hydrogen energy. I’m interested in finding out more about it, as it’s a new technology and is something which is going to be important in the future.”
Fellow Wyke College student Meisha Lamvohee, 16, said: “I’ve always been interested in engineering. I’m the sort of person who takes things apart at home so I can find out how they’re made, and then put them back together again.
“It was interesting to see how everyone at Ideal Heating has their specific role, and how they all come together to work as a team.
“Thanks to Ideal Heating for the tour, it was great to find out how boilers and heat pumps work, and what the business is doing in Hull.”
National Manufacturing Day showcases the variety of modern manufacturing careers, as well as promoting opportunities for women in STEM and widening diversity in the industry. It also looks to attract new talent for businesses looking to develop their future skills pipeline.
Ideal Heating’s long-standing partner and supplier, Hull-based Advanced Plastics, also opened its doors to welcome groups to its site in the city.
Annette Hobson, Regional Membership Manager at Make UK, said: “National Manufacturing Day is an ideal occasion for our sector to highlight the exciting and diverse range of roles available for people of all ages – from school leavers eager to start apprenticeships to those looking to reskill later in their careers.
“Make UK are thrilled that Ideal Heating and one of its suppliers, Advanced Plastics, have opened their doors to showcase the multitude of career opportunities available in the region.
“It allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the links between manufacturers, further enriching their experience and inspiring the next generation of talent. Whatever it is you are looking for, you will be able to find it in manufacturing.”
To find out more about National Manufacturing Day, visit www.nationalmanufacturingday.org/.
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