A UK-wide initiative to encourage more young people into manufacturing careers has announced a major milestone with the launch of a new website – MadeHereNow.com, containing a variety of content reflecting the dynamic, exciting nature of modern industry.
Backed by almost 40 sponsors, including manufacturers, academic institutions, trade associations, government bodies and charities, the Made Here Now website is aimed at young people wanting to find out what careers are available in the sector, as well as STEM teachers seeking ways to inspire their own students.
Among the new stories that feature on the website is an exclusive about how Britain is moving up the world manufacturing league table. The article shows that the UK was the world’s eighth-biggest nation by manufacturing output in 2015 – the most recent year for which internationally comparable data are available – with just slightly over 2% of total output.
This is according to calculations by Made Here Now based on the latest figures from the United Nations’ statistical database.
Made Here Now’s founder, Peter Marsh explained: “I believe our new website has a major role to play in inspiring the next generation of makers and manufacturers.
“The site features a wealth of resources and inspiring stories, many in video format to appeal to our target age group of 11 to 16 year olds, and I hope it will serve to provide manufacturers with the workforce they will need as we move forward in rather uncertain times.
Marsh continued: “During this project, I have met many innovative manufacturers and companies, as well as working closely with academics, and all of them are concerned about where the future workforce is coming from so the UK can continue to be at the forefront in this sector.
“To succeed in manufacturing, companies need to grow and the website features inspiring stories about how a company like Brompton Bicycles started from small beginnings but has now just invested £2m in a new factory and is planning to start production of its first electric bike.”
Steve Adams, managing director at Pepperneck, the Malvern-based marketing agency responsible for the new website, commented: “Young people also need to be aware that manufacturing is changing rapidly and offers an increasingly well paid, diverse and rewarding range of careers to suit many people’s talents; so the website also signposts young people to the wide range of routes into the profession, including apprenticeships, degrees, work placements and graduate schemes.
“It even features sections aimed at the very first steps students can take to develop a career in manufacturing, including school-based competitions and challenges that will encourage even the youngest student to consider getting involved. The website has evolved following discussions with the Design and Technology Association and the next stage of the initiative will see the website being marketed to STEM teachers and students to encourage its use on the widest possible scale.”
