Their itinerary included tours of Willerby Ltd, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of holiday homes, and Siemens Mobility in Goole, home to a multi-million-pound train production centre. The visits placed the students at the heart of each site’s production processes, from the detailed assembly of caravans to the construction of new Tube trains destined for the London Underground. 

Alongside observing production processes, the students also experienced the practical application of workplace safety. This was achieved through safety briefings and the provision of personal protective equipment at each site, helping them to understand the importance of health and safety measures in a manufacturing environment. This reinforced their experiences in Design Technology lessons, which emphasise the importance of following proper safety protocols when working with tools, machinery and equipment.

Further insight into the world of manufacturing was provided at the Aura Innovation Centre, Hessle - the group’s third and final destination of the day. A presentation on career pathways was accompanied by workshops and practical activities led by representatives from the Work-wise Foundation, which encouraged teamwork and competition.

During a team-building exercise, Withernsea’s students placed third out of eleven schools in a challenge that involved passing each person through three differently sized ropes in the fastest time. A further challenge required groups to use trigonometry to measure the height of a building. Meanwhile, a site tour afforded students the opportunity to explore the centre’s workshops and specialist equipment used for designing and developing bespoke prototypes for manufacturing, fabrication and electronic applications.

Leading the trip was Kelly Hopewell, teacher of DT, who said: “It was a great day. Our students demonstrated genuine interest and enthusiasm throughout the day’s activities, with many expressing a desire to return for future events. The experience equipped them with careers knowledge, life skills and a practical insight into the manufacturing industry.

“At Willerby Ltd, our students observed the entire production process, from the construction of the caravan shell to the installation of plumbing, electrics, windows, and carpeting. The staff were very welcoming and explained each stage in detail, answering students’ questions and providing valuable insight into careers in manufacturing. The students particularly enjoyed seeing the craftsmanship involved and touring some of the more high-end caravans.

“Our next stop was Siemens in Goole, where students saw how London Underground trains are manufactured. The visit focused on computer-aided design and manufacturing, with much of the process managed by advanced machinery and digital systems. It was a fascinating contrast to the more hands-on, manual production work they had seen during the building of caravans. This gave the students a broad perspective on the variety of skills and technologies used in modern manufacturing.”

Viki Foster, school careers leader, added: “The trip gave our students a well-rounded experience of the workplace, combining observation and practical engagement with career insights and skill development. It highlighted the importance of safety, innovation, and teamwork in modern manufacturing, while the hands-on activities at the Aura Centre encouraged collaboration, critical thinking and creative problem-solving – all of which are key employability skills. 

“Workplace visits are an essential component of the Gatsby Benchmarks, which state that every learner should have first-hand, meaningful experiences of workplaces to support their exploration of career opportunities and expand their networks. In this context, a meaningful experience is defined as one that allows learners to explore what it is like to work in a particular environment, the skills valued in that setting and what it takes to be successful.”

The Gatsby Benchmarks are an evidence-based framework for careers guidance, comprising eight standards that schools and colleges use to develop their careers programmes.

The day’s activities were organised by the Work-wise Foundation, an employer-led charity supporting young people as they prepare for the world of work, and Make UK – an organisation that champions growth and innovation in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. The visits formed part of the partnership’s second annual schools’ roadshow – an initiative that aims to break down barriers, dispel myths and show young people how rewarding a future in this sector can be.

It forms part of a wider programme of initiatives by the foundation, including its annual ‘Get up to speed with STEM’ event at the Magna Science Adventure Centre and ‘North Star’ event at Gulliver’s Valley, Rotherham, both of which aim to inspire young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

The schools’ event also coincided with the recent National Manufacturing Day. Launched in 2022 and held annually on the final Thursday of September, the event celebrates manufacturing and its sub-sectors, including automotive, food and drink, aerospace, defence, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.

It encourages manufacturers across the UK to open their doors and welcome members of the public into their factories for a behind-the-scenes look. It also provides a platform for employers to engage with school leavers, graduates, and those looking to reskill, promoting the range of job opportunities, apprenticeships and future careers available within the sector.

ABOVE: Willerby Ltd on Hedon Road were one of the manufacturing businesses who opened their doors to high school students as part of this year’s National Manufacturing Day. The students were given a tour of the site and each received a goodie bag. 

ABOVE: During a team-building exercise at Hessle’s Aura Innovation Centre, Withernsea’s students placed third out of eleven schools in a challenge that involved passing each person through three differently sized ropes in the fastest time.