North Star offers direction

for the metals sector with all these young children. Hopefully we shall have encouraged some of them to consider taking science subjects when selecting their options. And for our young technicians to be on a programme which also featured Professor Brian Cox CBE was particularly inspiring.

“Seeing all the other activities on offer from companies like CBE+, Forged Solutions and the UK Atomic Energy companies has also given us some ideas of how we can increase our own engagement with some local schools which will help with our own future apprentice recruitment.”

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar Group, agreed saying, “It is important that we, as businesses, take an active role in initiatives like this. We can’t expect school staff and parents to know about the career opportunities available in UK engineering and manufacturing, and if we are to attract future talent then we all need to spread the word.

“I am grateful to my colleague David Beet for all his hard work in organising our area and for the additional support from our partners, Weir Minerals and the Cast Metals Federation. We will all be back again next year.”

The North Star programme aims to promote and applaud innovation and provide the opportunity to inspire the next generation to consider careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) subjects, backing a vision for the UK to become the best place in the world to practice these subjects through establishing sustainable partnerships between businesses with local schools. 8 work-wise.co.uk