Werit and Salford City Council give young people first hand insight into manufacturing careers

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Five young people from Salford have gained first hand experience of a working factory, as part of an initiative helping 16 to 24 year olds develop skills and explore routes into manufacturing employment.

Werit UK, an industrial packaging manufacturer, welcomed the young people to its Greater Manchester operation following their participation in a five week manufacturing course through Salford City Council's Build Salford programme.

This traineeship is designed to encourage young Salford residents to undertake apprenticeships by giving them the opportunity to work with some of the best local companies.

The programme aims to support young people into employment and help address youth unemployment across Salford. The number of 16 to 24 year olds claiming unemployment related benefits in Salford rose from 1860 in July 2025 to 2060 in July 2026, an increase of 10.8% year on year.

The Werit visit was the trainees’ first manufacturing site visit of the programme and provided the opportunity to put learning into practice by observing how a manufacturer operates.

A tour of its production facility was followed by a visit to the manufacturing processes on the factory floor, learning more about machinery, production, warehousing, logistics, health and safety, and the different roles needed to keep a manufacturing operation running.

There was also the opportunity to meet the company’s employees and hear how people with different educational and employment backgrounds have developed careers within manufacturing.

Sunny Prakash, managing director, said: ‘Exposing young people to real manufacturing environments is important in helping them understand the opportunities and employers’ expectations.’

He added, ‘Qualifications and experience are important, but they are only part of what employers look for. Attitude, reliability, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work as part of a team matter just as much. Young people entering manufacturing may not have all the skills or experience on day one, but if they bring the right attitude and are prepared to learn, employers can help them develop those skills and build a worthwhile career.’

He also highlighted timekeeping and a can-do attitude as other qualities employers value, alongside the importance of following health and safety procedures in a manufacturing environment, and shared his own career journey with the group, explaining that at 18 he was unsure about his future. He worked in a warehouse while studying, then progressed through different roles and eventually into manufacturing management.

Other employees described similarly varied career paths. One told the trainees how he joined the company as a production operator after working in retail, then progressed through the business and completed a Level 3 electrical and mechanical engineering apprenticeship. Another moved into manufacturing following a career in transport and logistics.

These real world examples helped demonstrate that careers in manufacturing are not limited to production roles, and can provide pathways into engineering, logistics, management and other business functions.

For 18 year old Aidan, who is now looking for employment, the factory visit reinforced his interest in practical work.

He said, ‘I enjoyed the course and the factory visit. I would be interested in finding a job in a factory like this. I want something where I can use my hands, whether that is in a warehouse or on the factory floor.’

Kevin, 16, will continue his education at City Skills in September and hopes to combine his studies with gaining employment experience.

He said, ‘This was the first factory visit we have done as part of the course, and I enjoyed it. I wanted to do something during the summer where I could learn and benefit from it. I would like to work as well as go to college.’

Seventeen year old Kaleb, who will also attend college in September, said seeing manufacturing in operation suited the way he learns.

‘I learn by doing and being shown,’ he said. ‘Seeing how the machines work and how everyone works together, with that constant flow, was probably the most interesting part.’

One moment particularly stood out for Kaleb when a machine stopped during the tour. He watched employees respond collectively and get production running again within minutes, providing a practical demonstration of the teamwork discussed throughout the day.

Cllr Michele Barnes, lead member for Skills, work, workforce and industrial relations at Salford City Council, said: ‘Young people need opportunities to see where their skills can take them, and employers have an important role to play in making those opportunities visible. By opening its doors, Werit has given these young people more than a factory tour. It allowed them to experience a working manufacturing environment, meet people who have built careers through different routes, and see opportunities they can realistically pursue.’

Sunny added, ‘The manufacturing skills shortage is well recognised, but we don't just want to talk about the challenge. Bringing young people, training providers and employers together gives young people the confidence and practical insight to make informed choices about their future. At the same time, it allows employers like us to play an active role in developing the skills and talent manufacturing will need for the years ahead.’

Werit said its involvement in initiatives such as Build Salford is about helping more young people understand the breadth of careers available in manufacturing, while giving them first hand experience of the skills and working environment the sector requires.