Trafford has a long and proud history of manufacturing with areas like Trafford Park providing employment opportunities for many generations of Trafford residents.
Now, an exciting new programme designed to support jobs and businesses in the manufacturing sector in Trafford is set to ensure it has a bright future.
The Trafford Advanced Manufacturing Materials Skills Development Programme, funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and delivered by Trafford Council, will provide more than £1m worth of funding to the borough over the next four years. The project received unanimous support from the Council’s Executive group of councillors last week.
The project hopes to address key issues facing the manufacturing sector around attracting new people into the workforce, promoting manufacturing as a career to young people and supporting existing businesses to modernise by embracing digital and advanced technologies.
This is supported by employer-led careers activity in schools and the development and delivery of flexible training pathways to help Trafford residents enter and progress within the manufacturing sector.
There are currently 9,000 people employed in the sector in Trafford, equating to 5.3% of all employees, and a significant number of vacancies exist. The funding will also allow for a dedicated post to be created to deliver the programme.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“The Trafford Advanced Manufacturing Materials Skills Development Programme is a significant funding award to Trafford. It will provide the funding needed to support the growth of the manufacturing sector by giving the workforce new skills and supporting businesses to modernise for the future.
“Manufacturing has always held a place in the heart of Trafford and this is exactly what is needed to help support a new generation of residents into the sector.”