The 2012 See Inside Manufacturing (SIM) scheme was launched yesterday by the business minister at Coca-Cola Enterprises in Edmonton, which produces 120,000 cases of Coca-Cola every 24 hours.
Schemes such as See Inside Manufacturing (SIM) may take up to four years to have a visible impact according to Mr Prisk. In the meantime said Prisk, apprentices can play their part in championing the career opportunities in manufacturing.
The SIM scheme aims to show young people the career opportunities available in manufacturing.
Mr Prisk told The Manufacturer that alongside SIM it is important for apprentices to act as ambassadors in schools and colleges. “They are the people best placed to provide information about the career opportunities available,” he said.
At the launch, he also said that it will take up to four years for SIM and similar schemes, such as Make it in Great Britain, to have a visible impact.
Mr Prisk joined students from Uxbridge College on a tour of the manufacturing site which is one of over 100 events taking place as part of SIM this year.
The event ran last year solely in the automotive sector has now been extended to cover the aerospace and food and drink sectors. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said that over 95% of attendees surveyed last year said that their knowledge about career opportunities available in the sector was better than before.
“I encourage as many people as possible to get involved and come along to one of the many events taking place throughout June,” Prisk said.
The Make it in Great Britain campaign is aimed as challenging the misperception that Britain does not manufacturer as many goods as it used to. It culminates in an exhibition at the Science Museum from July 24 to September 9.
Chris Flynn
