Michelin opens Stoke factory to schoolchildren

Young people considering their future career options are to get an insight into manufacturing as Michelin hosts two tours of its Stoke factory as part of a national Government apprenticeship drive. The site tour is part of a Government initiative called See Inside Manufacturing. Originally launched last year by Business Secretary, Dr Vince Cable, the initiative is designed to deliver an additional 250,000 apprenticeships in the UK.

Pupils and students from nine Stoke-based schools and colleges will visit Michelin’s Campbell Road site on two separate days. The tours will take place from 12pm to 4pm; those attending will receive a welcome speech from Michelin Stoke Factory Manager Sean Parry and then watch a series of videos about Michelin. The young people will have workshop tours around a variety of departments and will also participate, in small teams, in a range of interactive tasks. These tasks will provide an understanding of what takes place at Michelin, the kind of jobs there and which qualifications they need to take in order to work in the various areas at the Stoke site.

Once the tasks have been completed, including compiling a brief presentation, the youngsters will receive feedback on their efforts. Judging will then take place and a prize will be awarded to the best team on the day. The automotive sector is the first industry in the UK to support this nationwide roll-out of activities and Michelin is one of the first UK manufacturers to open up its factories.  

Sean Parry said: “The Michelin Stoke factory is very pleased to participate in the See Inside Manufacturing initiative which was launched by the UK Automotive Council and supported by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. The aim is to raise awareness about the wide range of interesting and skilled job opportunities that exist within the manufacturing sector. 

“It is a great opportunity to open our doors, during what is a very positive time for the Stoke factory. We are now progressing well on the multi-million pound modernisation project that will allow us to re-manufacture the latest generation of Michelin Durable Technology truck tyres.

“I am pleased to say that we have had a good uptake on the See Inside Manufacturing events and will probably be running further events in the future.”