Member Article

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks launches road safety event for apprentices

Organisers of this year’s Bradford Manufacturing Weeks are extending their offering, to include a revolutionary driving safety event for manufacturing apprentices.

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks is a West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce initiative that aims to bridge the gap between manufacturers and young people, through experiences and introductions to the industry. The half day Driving Awareness event is the first of its kind and is designed to educate and support current apprentices. It will be held at Bradford City’s Utilita Energy Stadium on 17 October (8am-1:40pm) and is open for any Bradford manufacturer to enrol.

Nick Garthwaite, founder of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks and MD of international chemical and detergents manufacturer, Christeyns UK, said: “Most employers will agree that the first thing many young apprentices want to do when they receive their first pay cheque, is go out and buy a mode of transport, be that a car, motorbike or scooter. When we as companies hire apprentices, we make a commitment to aid their personal and professional development therefore it is really important for employers to consider the safety of their young employees not just at work but also outside of work, and help them to understand the seriousness of getting it wrong. I hope that all Bradford manufacturers will consider signing up to the Bradford Manufacturing Weeks’ Driving Awareness event and help them to become more responsible on the road.”

The event will be run in partnership with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Yorkshire Police, who will be providing workshops and demonstrations during the day. There will also be a talk from Tony Davison about the effect of a loss in the family, following the death of his son in a drink-drive accident in 2003.

Jamie Wilkinson, Sergeant of West Yorkshire Police said: “It is widely known that young drivers are at the greatest risk of being involved in road traffic collisions and so any opportunity to engage with them is positive.

“We would like to thank Bradford Manufacturing Weeks for this opportunity and hope that our input will help the apprentices to use their vehicles safely, as well as understand the impact that road traffic collisions can have on individuals, their families and the wider community.” Bradford Manufacturing Weeks is supported by businesses that believe securing and nurturing future talent is vital for the manufacturing industry. Sponsors include Barclays Bank, Gordons LLP, Naylor Wintersgill, Dale Carnegie, E3 Recruitment, Mitton Group, Bradford University and Leeds Bradford Airport.

Mo Ali, Manager of Bradford District prevention added: “Fire and Rescue Services see first-hand the devastation that road traffic collisions cause - and the life changing impact they can have for young drivers, their passengers and their families.

We are keen to work with Bradford Manufacturing Weeks and West Yorkshire Police to raise awareness by delivering road safety input to their apprentices to ensure that they understand their responsibility and the dangers associated with unsafe driving.“

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