Banbury-based tools manufacturer Norbar Torque Tools Ltd is hosting a series of virtual careers evenings in February for young people looking to start a career in engineering and manufacturing.

While Covid-19 prevents its usual in-person event taking place, the company intends to demonstrate the career opportunities available virtually. The open evenings will be taking place between 9-11 February 2021 and those taking part will be able to book slots between 6 and 9pm to discuss the structure and job roles available virtually with Wanda Stewart-Lee, Norbar’s head of HR, and Rob Alderman from the Engineering Trust.

Video tours of the Norbar manufacturing facilities will also be available for prospective apprentices to get an idea of how an engineering working environment looks and also the opportunities Norbar’s modern manufacturing facility can offer successful applicants.

With research predicting that UK youth unemployment figures could reach 17% in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Norbar considers that the training and development of young people across the UK is more critical than ever.

The Government has already shown its commitment to improving skills through initiatives such as the Kickstart Scheme and the company aims to encourage more young people in the Banbury area to consider a career in manufacturing and engineering.

Ms Stewart-Lee said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has made the job market a much tougher environment than ever for young people. For manufacturers like us, it is extremely important that we do everything we can to equip young people with the skills necessary to progress their careers.

“Although the Covid-19 pandemic has made welcoming prospective apprentices into our facilities unfeasible, by taking our open evenings into the digital world we hope to give all of the advice and information to attendees hoping to go into engineering.”

For more information and to sign up to one of the slots, visit the website (www.norbar.com/Home/Careers-Evening-2021).