More than 30 pupils from four Bradford schools grilled manufacturers at a ‘first of its kind’ event during the inaugural Bradford Manufacturing Week.

They came face-to-face with representatives from a number of firms — including refrigeration specialists Epta George Barker, metal heat treatment specialists Keighley Laboratories, and chemicals and detergents manufacturer Christeyns — at the Bradford Manufacturing Live event at Bradford College (www.bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk).

The 40min question-and-answer session covered issues such as finding the best route into manufacturing, rates of pay and the future of manufacturing.

Nick Garthwaite, managing director of Christeyns UK (and creator of Bradford Manufacturing Week), said he was “blown away” by the pupils’ enthusiasm and engagement.

“Bradford Manufacturing Live was a real high point in our event line-up for the week, because it really got the pupils thinking, talking and asking the questions that were important to them.

"They had really done their research, and many addressed the big issues in manufacturing, such as employing women, attracting young people to the sector and whether apprenticeships are the right route to take.”

More than 40 manufacturers offered over 3,000 ‘manufacturing experiences’ to over half of the district’s secondary schools during Bradford Manufacturing Week, which took place 8-12 October.