We have had an amazing 2 weeks of our Sector Routeways training programme. 

The Sector Routeways training programme, delivered by The Work-wise Foundation on behalf of  Sheffield City Council, consists of classroom-based working, with company visits and interactive activities throughout. The Sector Routeways programme is primarily based at Magna Science Adventure Centre. During the 2 week programme we equip job-seekers, aspiring to a career in Engineering and Manufacturing, with the basic knowledge, skills and understanding that employers within the sector are looking for.  

The programme is supported by Made in Sheffield and The Cutlers Company in Hallamshire. The Engineering & Manufacturing Sector Routeways programme is funded by the European Social Fund.  

Throughout our September Sector Routeways programme, our participants endured training which included: 

• Getting to know you and confidence building 
• Insights to the engineering & manufacturing sector within the region 
• Team building and problem solving  
• Communication in the workplace appropriate to the sector 
• Insights to industry through tours and meeting employers/employees 
• Interview and application support 
• Health & Safety and Risk Assessment  
• Understanding business and your role in it 
• Sector-specific knowledge including introducing Lean Manufacturing 
• Work experience preparation and support 

We had talks from multiple business professionals to inform and inspire our participants, they had chance to take a mock interview to prepare them for applying for jobs, the participants took part in basic first aid training, they had an amazing site tour at AESSeal, they also participated in lots of team building exercises, and much more. 

We were thrilled to be joined by a number of special guests from within the industry who shared their knowledge, skills and expertise with our cohort. These included: 

• Darren Jones (Innovation Manager / Apprentice (Early Careers) and Veterans Lead) from AESSeal, who spoke about what opportunities there are in the sector and within AESSeal itself including apprenticeships.  
• Debbie Slater (Recruitment Consultant) from The AMRC Training Centre, who spoke about apprenticeships and what they have to offer. 
• Steve Wainwright (Managing Director & Consultant) from DN4 Innovation Management Ltd, who spoke all about his career and the different types of engineering and manufacturing. 
• Tom Garwood (Engineering & Field Services Manager) from Nuron, who spoke about previous success stories of the Sector Routeways programme and the employees that Nuron hired who participated in the programme.  
• David Hunter and Peter Dobrijevic (Directors) from Industry Lean Solutions, who informed the participants all about Lean Manufacturing.  
• David O’hara (First Aid Trainer), who gave basic first aid training to our participants. 

The Sector Routeways participants are now all getting ready to start their work placements at companies/organisations within the engineering & manufacturing sector in the South Yorkshire region.  

The next Sector Routeways programme begins on 24^th October 2022 for more information please click here or contact Sheffield City Council at sectorrouteways@gov.uk.