Changemakers of tomorrow gather for Bradford Manufacturing Weeks
High school pupils from across the district attended a Net Zero event at the University of Bradford as part of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks
Now into its seventh year, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks is backed by Northern Gas Networks, Bechtle, Yorkshire Water, NatWest, Bradford Council and the University of Bradford.
Year 9 pupils from Carlton Bolling, Titus Salt School, St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College, Bradford Academy and Eden Boys Leadership Academy, Bradford, took part in a range of activities as part of a Dragons’ Den-style competition to design a ‘Net Zero island’. Pupils will return to make their final pitches on November 27.
Issues under discussion included climate change, waste and technology, renewable and non-renewable resources, circular economies and greenhouse gases.
James Machell, The University's STEM Curriculum Development Manager, said: "The Net Zero Island event gives students a fantastic opportunity to engage in applied learning on a topic that is important to the future for all of us. Not only do they get the chance to meet business and community leaders that are working on solutions to the problems that we all face, but they get the chance to be part of finding the solutions to these issues by researching the issues as a team and presenting their ideas to a panel of experts at the final."
Andrew Gray from SkillsHouse, which offers education, training and careers guidance, who led the session, said: “The idea behind this event is to bring young people together to discuss issues linked to Net Zero and to look at ways in which they can take that knowledge into their future careers.”
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, who attended the event, said: “Events like this are really important to be able to discuss Net Zero solutions but also it’s an opportunity to introduce young people to new technology. This is new technology that will bring new industries and jobs. I want to make sure these young people and the city at large can take full advantage of this new era.”
Sam Perry from NatWest, said: “We see a huge amount of potential in the city, with a young, diverse population. It’s these young people who will take us to Net Zero in the future, so events such as this are present opportunities to engage with young people on issues that affect everyone.”
Carolyn Townsley, from West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is all about connecting young people with the manufacturing sector and exposing them to opportunities that might benefit them in their future careers.”
Teacher Kristin Estabrooks, from Bradford Academy, said: “It’s important to build an awareness of ethics and how manufacturing impacts on the environment into education and this event presents an opportunity to do that.”
The event took place in the University’s STEM (Science, technology, engineering and maths) Centre.
About Bradford Manufacturing Weeks
Bradford Manufacturing Weeks runs from October 7-18 and brings manufacturers, schools young people together through tours, work experience, seminars, exhibitions and learning events held at manufacturer premises and key locations across the district.
Endorsed by Bradford Council, Bradford Economic Partnership, and Bradford University, this not-for-profit event relies on the generosity of key sponsors and supporters.