West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS)

Industry 4.0 Champions Programme returns following huge demand

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 21/04/2025

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) has announced a new date for its highly successful and fully funded Industry 4.0 Champions Programme.

The acclaimed Industry 4.0 Champions Programme Returns following a wave of interest and strong uptake from local manufacturing professionals. Previous dates for the programme attracted up to 36 attendees each - a clear sign of the region’s appetite for upskilling in advanced manufacturing technologies.

Delivered in partnership with the Textile Centre of Excellence and Calderdale College, and supported by Skills Connect through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the programme is designed to help manufacturers harness the potential of Industry 4.0.

Training is delivered at WYMS’s state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 Hub, in Brighouse, providing hands-on experience with some of the most transformative technologies shaping the sector.

The programme includes an introduction to the principles of Industry 4.0, along with a choice of two specialist workshops from a diverse range of topics, including:

Robotics and automation
3D scanning and printing
Virtual and augmented reality
Data analytics and process control
Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Each workshop offers practical insights into how these technologies can improve efficiency, boost productivity, and futureproof operations.

March’s oversubscribed sessions demonstrate a growing recognition of the importance of digital transformation within the region’s manufacturing base. The demand has not only underlined the relevance of the programme, but also laid the foundations for ongoing support for businesses ready to embrace Industry 4.0.

Each workshop offers practical insights into how these technologies can improve efficiency, boost productivity, and futureproof operations.

New one-day sessions are now scheduled to run on 16th June 2025, and are open to individuals aged 19+ working in manufacturing or engineering across West Yorkshire, this fully funded initiative represents a unique opportunity for businesses to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to adopt new technologies.

For more information or to register, contact WYMS at info@wyms.co.uk or visit wyms.co.uk.

WYMS Inaugural Supporter Networking Lunch - Open Invitation for Manufacturers

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 27/03/2025

We’d like to invite Yorkshire Manufacturing company representatives to our first supporter networking lunch, taking place on 10^th April 2025 from 11am-1pm at our facility in Brighouse, the purpose is to:

Introduce the supporter network and Manufacturing SMEs to one another
Connect with potential customers and suppliers
Learn more about WYMS and Made in Yorkshire’s Services
Learn more about opportunities across the region
Work together to champion Manufacturing SMEs

PIB Insurance are kindly sponsoring this lunch, and we are partnering with Made In Yorkshire and their members, so there will be plenty of manufacturing SMEs in attendance to network with and build connections within the manufacturing community.

There is no set agenda for this casual event; West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services, Made in Yorkshire, and PIB Insurance would like to say a few words and discover how we can collaborate with and support your company, whilst also contributing to the growth of the manufacturing industry as a whole.

Feel free to bring along a colleague, or a connection from another company that are interested in becoming a WYMS supporter. The lunch is completely free to attend, and should only take up a couple of hours of your time, who doesn’t want a free lunch on a Thursday?

Here are the key details:

Thursday 10^th April 2025, 11AM-1PM

At: West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services, Kirkdale House, Armytage Road, Brighouse, HD6 1QF

Please get in touch with Freya Taylor at freyataylor@wyms.co.uk to secure your place and inform us of any dietary requirements.

It's time to face the truth about the future of manufacturing: Opinion piece by Mark Lewis

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 20/11/2025

This week, West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services' CEO Mark Lewis was featured in the Yorkshire Post, discussing the skills gap, here's what he had to say...

It’s time to face the truth about the future of manufacturing

Worth £7.7 billion to the regional economy West Yorkshire is home to the largest manufacturing workforce in the North with 110,000 people across 5,500 manufacturers 90+% of whom are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). With the government claiming a focus on driving economic growth, it’s time that the voice of our region’s SMEs was heard.

Let’s face it, without the manufacturing and engineering sector, regional and international supply chains would grind to a halt. It’s no secret however that the industry is facing significant challenges, driven largely by a skills shortage. With the average skilled worker now aged 53, the next decade will bring a pressing question: who will step in when they retire?

Our education system appears broken, intent on funnelling young people through GCSEs, A levels and university degrees, many are encouraged to pursue an academic route, therefore Manufacturing and Engineering career paths are not even on their radar.

With increasingly few practical skills being delivered within our mainstream education system and a national press rhetoric of industry closures; it is no wonder that we are struggling to attract young people to the sector.

And yet the reality is very different, our region has a thriving engineering and manufacturing sector, it is one of the most dynamic, innovative and creative sectors showcasing modern technologies, feeding supply chains throughout the world; and due to the agility of the 90+% SMEs operating in this space, able to quickly adapt and change to new opportunities. Securing the future of the industry starts with challenging negative perceptions, so why are we not more effectively championing these successes?

The skills that have enabled the sector to thrive; adaptability, critical thinking, problem solving, self-management, learning to learn, creativity, communication and resilience, seem all but gone from our education system. Without these skills, our ability to design, engineer and manufacture, will similarly diminish.

As a charity dedicated to supporting growth in manufacturing and engineering, we at West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services are not afraid to face that hard truth, that work needs to be done now in order to safeguard the region’s industry. Initiatives such as our annual National Manufacturing Day events help to showcase opportunities by bringing together schools, pupils and employers, but are just the tip of the iceberg.

Many of the organisations with whom we work are world-leading, though often not the household brand names offer amazing employment and career opportunities, with the opportunity to develop skills that will serve for life.

The skills gap is becoming increasingly desperate and raises a number of distinct challenges, we therefore need to;

Reintroduce opportunities for practical learning within our education system.
Provide platforms for our region’s businesses, to shout about and share their successes, and the opportunities that exist.
Ensure that young people (along with parents, teachers and careers advisors) understand the opportunities and benefits of working within the sector.
Reduce the disproportionate impact of governmental policies on SMEs

Without a concerted effort on all fronts, we cannot be surprised if the shortfall of young people entering the sector continues.

It’s time we got serious about the work that needs to be done. The time is now to introduce young people to manufacturing and what it really means for our regional and national economy.

As SMEs, we must not be afraid to think big, shout about our successes, and create more opportunities young people to engage with the sector; facilitate more practical and hands on training, after school activities, pre-apprenticeship programmes, and courses. All of which can be supported with structured workplace experiences and mentoring.

WYMS Achieves Prestigious IOSH Certification

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 02/04/2025

Setting the standard in Health & Safety training.

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services is proud to announce that we have achieved IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) certification, underlining our commitment to delivering the highest level of health and safety training. This prestigious certification enables us to provide industry-leading courses designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage and maintain safe working environments.

What is IOSH Certification?

IOSH is a globally recognised institution dedicated to ensuring occupational safety and health standards are upheld in workplaces around the world.

Achieving this certification means that WYMS meets the rigorous standards required to deliver IOSH-approved training programs, ensuring that businesses and individuals receive the most up-to-date and effective health and safety education available.

The IOSH certification is particularly significant in industries where safety is paramount, including those that we support, manufacturing and engineering.

By working closely with businesses in West Yorkshire, we aim to enhance workplace safety standards, ensuring that employees operate in environments that prioritise health, compliance, and efficiency. This certification further strengthens our ability to support local businesses in fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

What does this mean for our customers?

With IOSH certification, WYMS can now offer the highest standard of training in occupational safety, helping businesses to:

Reduce workplace accidents and incidents
Improve compliance with health and safety regulations
Enhance overall workplace culture regarding safety
Reduce financial and legal risks associated with non-compliance

This milestone ensures that organisations partnering with WYMS can have complete confidence in the quality and effectiveness of our training programs. Whether it’s for employees requiring foundational health and safety training or management-level professionals needing more in-depth risk assessment and compliance knowledge, our IOSH-certified courses will cater to all levels.

A message from our CEO

Mark Lewis, CEO of WYMS, expresses his pride in this achievement: “Achieving IOSH certification is a fantastic milestone for WYMS and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of the team. It reinforces our ability to provide the highest standard of training to businesses and professionals. I’m incredibly proud and excited for the future as we continue to grow and support our customers and partners with industry-leading training solutions.”

Looking ahead

At WYMS, we are dedicated to continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of occupational safety training. With IOSH certification now part of our credentials, we are eager to continue working closely with businesses to develop tailored solutions that meet their specific needs.

For more information on how WYMS can support your business with industry-leading training, please get in touch with our team today.

t: 01484 711462

e: info@wyms.co.uk

WYMS welcomes Sylvie Giangolini to its Board of Trustees

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 30/04/2025

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Sylvie Giangolini to its Board of Trustees. A well-respected leader within the manufacturing and machinery sectors, Sylvie brings a wealth of experience, insight, and energy to the role.

Sylvie has worked in manufacturing for over 13 years, having joined Hako UK – the UK subsidiary of global manufacturer Hako Germany – in 2012. She began by managing the northern sales team, before progressing to Sales Director, and was appointed General Manager and Managing Director in 2016. During her time at Hako, she also briefly stepped in to oversee aftersales, giving her a strong understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced at every customer touchpoint. Sylvie has led the business through growth and transformation, consistently delivering results and fostering a rewarding, high-performing team culture.

Sylvie’s leadership at Hako aligns closely with WYMS’s commitment to supporting the region’s manufacturing community, particularly in championing skills, innovation, and sustainability. As a new trustee, her expertise will further strengthen WYMS’s work with industry, training providers, and stakeholders across Yorkshire and beyond.

Commenting on her appointment, Sylvie said:

“I am very honoured to be asked to join the Board at WYMS and to support the amazing work that has been started by Mark Lewis and the rest of the WYMS board and team. I am passionate about celebrating the manufacturing industry in West Yorkshire, raising the benchmark for business success and developing young talent. I believe I share the same goals for driving collaboration in West Yorkshire as the rest of the WYMS team.”

Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of WYMS, welcomed the news:

“Sylvie is a fantastic addition to the board. Her industry knowledge, commercial acumen, and clear passion for developing people and businesses make her an ideal fit for WYMS. We’re thrilled to have her on board and are excited about the ideas and perspective she’ll bring to the team.”

Sylvie joins at an exciting time for WYMS, as it continues to deliver specialist training and support to manufacturers, engineers, and innovators across the region. Her appointment reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strong governance and strategic leadership, ensuring WYMS continues to grow its impact and relevance within the UK’s manufacturing landscape.

Sylvie adds:

“Running a business is tough, especially in today’s climate, with constant challenges and the wider manufacturing sector still recovering from recent economic pressures. That’s why what WYMS offers is so important – not just for start-ups, but for established businesses looking to grow. The opportunity to connect, collaborate, and do better business with like-minded people is invaluable. SMEs often face limited government support, and navigating the right networks can be difficult. WYMS fills that gap, acting as a central hub for knowledge, best practice, and support. Crucially, it also helps build bridges with education providers to engage and inspire the next generation.”

Sylvie has lived in Scammonden for over 23 years, having relocated from Brighton with her family. She loves the area and feels incredibly fortunate to have so much natural beauty on her doorstep. A keen lover of the outdoors, she enjoys long walks (with Archie, the family’s toy poodle), gardening, and renovating the family’s old mill house.

If you'd like to learn more about our board of trustees, click here

The Young Manufacturers' Networking Breakfast - Thursday 16th April 2026

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 02/04/2026

Building on a drive to bridge the manufacturing skills gap, West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) launched the Young Manufacturers' Network in January 2026.

The network aims to:

Encourage collaboration, innovation and fresh-thinking
Build Connections within the manufacturing industry
Provide a voice for the future leaders of the sector
Deliver opportunities for personal and professional development, through interactive talks, guided workshops, and mentorship opportunities.

Open to young manufacturing professionals in engineering, operations, design, or management roles who are eager to learn, collaborate, and contribute ideas.

We invite all manufacturing organisations to nominate the young 'Rising Stars' of their organisation to join the network and come along to our events.

Next Event:

Thursday 16th April 2026

Young Manufacturers’ Speed-Networking Breakfast

This interactive session is designed to help early-career professionals across manufacturing build confidence, develop their professional presence, and expand their network.

Featuring a talk from Jessica Farrow, Head of Digital Communications & Insight at Halston B2B, on the importance of networking, and how to introduce yourself and your business (elevator pitch skills), followed by structured speed networking and open networking.

Event details:

Date: Thursday 16th April 2026

Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm

Location: West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services, Kirkdale House, Armytage Road, Brighouse, HD6 1QF

To attend - please visit our website and use the booking link

Please Note - to be a part of this network, certain parameters apply based on job role and level of experience in manufacturing, we may reach out if we feel that this network isn't right for you.

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services marks ‘defining year’ - Featured in the Yorkshire Post 12th December 2025

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 16/12/2025

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) is celebrating a landmark year that has seen internal expansion, rapid growth of its supporter network and the introduction of new services to support the region’s manufacturing community.

The Brighouse-based charity, which is dedicated to supporting growth in manufacturing and engineering across West Yorkshire and beyond, has appointed three new non-executive directors. Sylvie Giangolini from Hako Machines Ltd, Nigel Bibby of OE Electrics, and Adam Swallow of Olympus Technologies have each added strategic depth and wider sector expertise to the 9-strong WYMS board.

The organisation has also expanded its internal team with four new appointments strengthening operational capacity. Marketing manager Freya Taylor; office manager Jane Westerby; administration and events assistant Anya Tate; and business development executive Alex Tate have all helped to extend WYMS’ industry reach.

The WYMS Supporter Network, a community of partners and advocates championing the company’s mission, has grown from 40 manufacturers to 130 in 2025. And the team has created and grown several specialist communities across the region - the West Yorkshire Additive Manufacturing Forum, the North of England Regional Support Network and a dedicated Valve Collaboration group – facilitating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and industry support.

Mark Lewis, WYMS chief executive, said: “2025 has been a defining year for WYMS. Our growth reflects the strength of the manufacturing sector in West Yorkshire and the power of collaboration when businesses, educators and industry partners come together.

“We have listened to and been mindful of the challenges manufacturers face and responded directly to those industry needs. As well as introducing new services, we have created regular networking events, shaped by member feedback. Among other things, this has resulted in a ‘Mini Business Expo’ designed to connect manufacturers with targeted support providers.”

In September, WYMS hosted a flagship National Manufacturing Day 2025 event, bringing together around students from over 25 schools and 30 manufacturing companies from across West Yorkshire for a day of hands-on activities, industry insight and sector engagement. This was the charity’s most successful event to date, earning positive feedback from students, educators and exhibitors.

Mark says WYMS has no intention of slowing down in 2026: “Plans for 2026 include the launch of the Young Manufacturers Network, to support and develop early-career talent across the region’s engineering and manufacturing sectors; establishing a Valve Centre of Excellence; expanding our networking events; and introducing new Supporter Network tiers to offer enhanced engagement opportunities,” he says.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved this year and even more excited about what’s ahead as we continue to expand our support, our communities and our impact across the region.”

WYMS teams up with Fluere to deliver Lean Manufacturing training.

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 06/06/2025

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) is thrilled to announce the launch of a new range of 'lean' courses in partnership with Fluere, a leading process improvement consultancy based in Leeds.

Kicking off with a new 2-Day Course beginning on the 24th June 2025!

This exciting new collaboration is set to help manufacturing organisations across West Yorkshire to access support to enhance productivity and profitability through operational excellence.

The newly launched courses offer a range of options designed to provide manufacturers with the tools and techniques required to streamline operations, eliminate waste, and maximise efficiency. With Fluere's extensive expertise in process improvement, particularly within the manufacturing sector, this partnership marks a perfect alignment of shared goals and industry knowledge.

Participants in these courses will gain essential skills, techniques, and strategies to optimise their workflow, manage time and resources effectively, and cultivate a positive mindset. Through interactive workshops and practical exercises, delegates will learn personal productivity techniques that align with organisational goals. The programmes are specifically aimed at encouraging continuous improvement, empowering both individuals and teams to maximise their potential and contribute meaningfully to organisational success.

Mark Lewis, CEO of WYMS, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "WYMS are delighted to be partnering with local business improvement specialists Fluere, who have a proven track record of adding significant value and impact through their approach and experience in applying process improvement techniques. As a charity committed to supporting engineering and manufacturing businesses throughout the region, we are keen to encourage businesses to take advantage of the range of services that we're able to offer”.

This strategic partnership between WYMS and Fluere is more than just a training initiative; it is a shared vision to transform the manufacturing sector by embedding lean principles into everyday operations. The partnership will provide practical, results-driven training that gives businesses the skills needed to thrive in a competitive market.

The scheduled open program courses will run from June 25 to May 26, with the bespoke 'In-Company' 2 Day courses available to arrange throughout this period.

For more information about the new lean courses, visit the WYMS website or contact the team directly.

The courses offer a range of powerful benefits, including:

Enhanced productivity and efficiency
Reduction of waste in operational processes
Improved time and resource management
Strengthened team collaboration and communication
Greater alignment with organisational goals
Practical, hands-on learning experiences
Strategies for sustainable continuous improvement

The courses cover a wide range of essential lean manufacturing topics, including:

Key principles of lean
Value-adding and wasteful activities
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Factory layout and cells
5S and the visual workplace
Single piece flow and set-up reduction
Product flow and bottleneck management
Load charts
Pull and Kanban systems
Process capability and quality

The full range of courses includes:

2 Day Lean Techniques (Open Programme)
2 Day Lean Techniques (In-Company for up to 12 Delegates)
1 Day Lean Champion
High Impact Productivity Improvement Programme
Top Team Workshop

Thinking of Exploring New Technologies? Discover the Industry 4.0 Champions Programme

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 28/01/2025

Industry 4.0 Champions Course Information

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services are supporting engineering and manufacturing businesses to boost their skills by giving them access to cutting-edge industry training and facilities at our new i4.0 Hub at WYMS.

Looking to adopt Advanced Manufacturing Technologies? Train your staff to become Industry 4.0 experts through this fully-funded training programme, delivered by industry experts.

Course Information:

1. Introduction to Industry 4.0

This session will introduce you to the principles that underpin Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, representing a fundamental shift in the way manufacturing processes are carried out.

This revolution is characterised by the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics in the manufacturing sector.

These principles aim to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance product quality, ultimately leading to greater competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Plus your choice of 2 of these workshops:

2. Advanced Simulation and Design

Participants will learn about the latest technological advancements in Design and Advanced Simulation and how these are revolutionising the manufacturing processes in the era of Industry 4.0.

They will explore how these technologies can be harnessed to create virtual prototypes, simulate real-world scenarios, and enhance the efficiency and productivity of engineering and manufacturing operations.

This session will introduce the use of Advanced Simulation, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) in the context of all types of design (parts, processes and products) for engineering and manufacturing, specifically in relation to Industry 4.0.

3. Robotics and Automation

This course will explore the advancements in robotics and automation within the engineering and manufacturing industries, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0. Participants will learn about the various applications of robotics and automation in streamlining production processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving overall productivity in manufacturing settings.

4. Additive Manufacturing: 3D Scanning and Printing

This session will introduce the principles and applications of 3D scanning and 3D printing in the field of Engineering and Additive Manufacturing. Participants will learn how to capture physical objects in a digital format using 3D scanning technology.

How to manipulate and modify these digital models to generate technical drawings for component replacement and other engineering projects.

Participants will gain an understanding of how to go from technical drawing to printing a component.

5. Process Control Systems: Data Generation and Data Analytics

This session will explore the use of sensors in engineering and manufacturing processes to monitor and collect data for analysis.

The focus will be on leveraging this data to drive efficiency and productivity in the context of Industry 4.0. Participants will learn about different types of sensors, their applications, and how they can be integrated into existing processes.

The session will also cover data analysis techniques and tools to make informed decisions based on the sensor data.

Important Information

Delegates will choose 2 of the listed courses to participate in over the day. This course is fully funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Training will be provided by Skills Connect, and the programme is brought to you by West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services; Textile Centre of Excellence; Calderdale College; and the i4.0 Hub

Eligibility

Participants must be:

Aged 19+ Living in West Yorkshire; and are: Employed incl. self-employed.

Participant must have the right to legally reside and work in the UK

They must not:

Be in full time education or be undertaking an apprenticeship at the time of joining.
Have completed a previous Skills Connect course (participants can only access the funding once)
Be economically inactive (definition of economically inactive is not being able start work in the two next weeks).
Any subsequent training or education must commence after the last day of training on Skills Connect.

Places per employer are limited to:

Four (4) individuals per employer >250 employees
Three (3) individuals per employer between 100-250 employees
Two (2) individuals per employer between 50-100 employees
One (1) individual per employer between 1-50 employee

Turning the tide: West Yorkshire duo join forces to tackle engineering skills gap

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 24/06/2025

In a bold move to tackle the region’s engineering skills shortage head-on, Brighouse-based West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) has teamed up with Elland based Machine Tool powerhouse Colchester Machine Tool Solutions to launch a series of short-format engineering courses focused on developing real, hands-on skills.

In direct response to the industry's call for flexible and more affordable alternatives to traditional long-term courses and apprenticeships, the organisations have joined forces to develop a range of half-day training modules in manual and CNC machining.

The courses, covering manual turning and milling, as well as CNC turning and milling, are delivered at three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Uniquely, the programmes are modular, so participants and employers can pick the most relevant sessions for their needs, making them ideal for upskilling experienced staff and onboarding new talent.

Mark Lewis, CEO at WYMS says the courses make high-quality technical training more accessible than ever before: “Too often, companies are forced to choose between lengthy qualifications or doing without. These practical, focused courses are designed to be consumable and accessible, addressing the real needs of local manufacturers.

“This collaboration is about helping businesses boost productivity, safety, and workforce versatility. With a strong focus on core manual skills, the programme lays a solid foundation for more advanced CNC techniques, highlighting the importance of understanding the basics before mastering more complex methodology. This approach makes for a more skilled and adaptable workforce to help futureproof the manufacturing sector.”

The courses will be delivered by Trevor Moore of Colchester Machine Tool Solutions, an expert engineer and trainer with over 40 years of hands-on industry experience. They are currently being piloted with engineers from WKW Precision Engineering in Halifax, and will be open to manufacturers across the UK, including colleges and universities to prepare the next generation for careers in engineering.

Richard Booth, Operations Manager at WKW says: “At WKW Precision Engineering Ltd, we recognise the importance of technical training in today’s competitive subcontract machining industry. While academic programs provide foundational knowledge; they often lack real-world skills. Technical Engineering Training Modules address this gap by equipping apprentices with essential skills needed from day one.

Focusing on machining techniques and industry specific needs, these modules ensure apprentices are prepared for success. Apprentices will integrate quickly into our operations, boosting productivity and improving in-house training time. Supporting these initiatives helps create a sustainable talent pipeline, fostering the next generation of skilled engineers who will drive innovation and long-term business growth.”

Each half-day module is priced at £195 per person, with a minimum of three participants per course. The full programme includes 16 turning courses and 15 milling courses, and all modules focus on practical skills designed to boost productivity and reduce downtime.

View the range of modules here: https://wyms.co.uk/technical

These courses mark one of many new services that WYMS Services has launched in order to provide support to the manufacturing industry, visit our website to learn more: https://wyms.co.uk/

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services launches Young Manufacturers Network

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 01/12/2025

Building on a drive to bridge the manufacturing skills gap, West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) has announced the launch of a Young Manufacturers Network.

The network is designed to connect, develop, and inspire the next generation of engineering and manufacturing professionals in the region.

It will encourage collaboration, innovation and fresh thinking from people at the early stages of their careers and build connections across companies to strengthen the wider manufacturing community. Fostering professional growth through learning, mentoring and shared experience, the network also aims to inspire members by celebrating successes and promoting pride in modern manufacturing.

With rapid changes in automation, digitalisation, sustainability and global competition reshaping the sector, WYMS recognises that investment in people is as critical as investment in technology. Strengthening skills and nurturing new talent is essential to narrowing the growing skills gap across the manufacturing sector, ensuring businesses can keep pace with the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

Freya Taylor, marketing and communications manager at WYMS, says: “The Young Manufacturers Network is about investing in the people who will carry our industry forward.

“By giving them a voice, a network, and the tools to grow and develop in their careers, we are not only supporting their personal development, we are also strengthening the future of the industry itself.”

The network will launch on the 29^th January with a networking lunch – a casual event that includes round-table discussions, networking, and live feedback on what attendees hope to achieve from the network. An opportunity for official registration to the network will become available at the event.

WYMS is seeking young manufacturing professionals in engineering, operations, design, or management roles who are eager to learn, collaborate, and contribute ideas. They are also encouraging company leaders in the region to support participation and engagement from their teams.

For more information or to express interest in joining the Young Manufacturers Network, please get in touch with Freya Taylor at marketing@wyms.co.uk or info@wyms.co.uk

Inspire the Next Generation - Exhibit at NMD25

West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) — 09/04/2025

Join us in shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering

West Yorkshire manufacturing companies are invited to take part in our National Manufacturing Day Showcase 2025 – an exciting opportunity to engage with the next generation and highlight the incredible career opportunities within our sector.

Building on the success of previous years, WYMS is proud to be hosting our ‘Meet the Manufacturers’ open event, as part of Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day celebrations. This annual event has become the flagship date in our calendar, drawing in students, educators, job seekers, and community members to explore what modern manufacturing really looks like.

One of the most pressing challenges currently facing the manufacturing and engineering sectors is attracting young people into the workforce. With skills gaps growing and many experienced professionals nearing retirement, there has never been a more important time to take action and invest in our future talent pipeline.

This is where your company can make a real difference.

By exhibiting at NMD25 for just £150, you’ll have the chance to:

Showcase your business and the exciting work you do
Demonstrate practical applications of manufacturing and engineering
Inspire young people by sharing your career journeys and advice
Engage with schools and colleges to highlight employability skills and apprenticeships
Build awareness of the many rewarding career paths available in your organisation and the wider industry

Your presence at this event will help to spark curiosity in the minds of future engineers, designers and technicians.

Our previous events have proven just how valuable this kind of engagement can be – from hands-on demonstrations and interactive displays to machinery showcases.

Let’s work together to inspire, educate and inform.

The next generation needs to see the creativity, technology, and variety that lies within our sector – and with your help, we can deliver a memorable experience that opens doors and creates opportunities.

Date: National Manufacturing Day 2025
Location: West Yorkshire

Price: £150, with a 50% discount for WYMS Supporters

Find out more and register your interest: wyms.co.uk/events/exhibit-our-national-manufacturing-day-showcase-2025

Want to support the event further? Sponsorship packages are available.

Please get in touch with freyataylor@wyms.co.uk to find out more.