SIXTH-FORM STUDENTS from Hull recently got a glimpse of how holiday homes and lodges could open the door to a rewarding career in the parks and leisure industry.
A series of groups from Wyke Sixth Form College were the guests of major manufacturer Willerby during a week-long work opportunities event in the Humber region.
Called a “Celebration of Manufacturing”, it was designed to inspire youngster to explore the wide breadth of careers open to them from leading local companies.
Willerby, with its strong record for product innovation, is one of Hull’s largest employers and a key player in a manufacturing sector employing 21,000 people in the city.
The youngsters were taken through the entire production process, seeing how Willerby’s holiday homes progress from a steel chassis base to the finished product.
They learned about the installation of external and internal walls and insulation, and the cladding options that define the exterior aesthetic of the homes.
Students were then shown the later stages of production including the internal fit-out when kitchens, bathrooms and furnishings are installed before the final quality control stage.
After their tour, the students were given an innovation challenge to either design a product display for a trade show, or to devise a recruitment campaign to attract young people to a career at Willerby.
Susan Pender, Willerby’s director of people, said: “It’s so important that students living in the area are aware of the range of careers available to them in manufacturing.
“Events like the Celebration of Manufacturing allow youngsters to see what is out there for them, and there’s no better way of doing that than by showing them exactly what a job with us looks like.
“It was a pleasure to welcome these guests to Willerby – and to witness the enthusiasm they showed through the questions they asked.
“We hope we’ve now inspired some of them to consider careers in manufacturing!” added Susan.
The Celebration of Manufacturing event is led by The Work-wise Foundation, an employer-led charity which supports young people through training, practical guidance and industry links to secure rewarding employment.
Willerby is a longstanding and active member of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA), and there is more information about the company at www.willerby.com