Apprenticeships are a key part of manufacturing.

And to celebrate this year’s sell-out Manufactured Yorkshire (MY) conference next month, one lucky firm will have a fully-funded trainee for six months.

Event director Chrissie Slater said the scheme, backed by Kirklees College, was part of MY’s commitment to ensure that the energy and enthusiasm for manufacturing continues in the next generation.

She said investment in an apprentice would have benefits reaching far beyond the individual and the winning firm.

She said: “Manufacturing is a sector that relies on skills and has a heritage of training for the next generation to take up the baton.

“We ran a similar competition two years ago and it was hugely popular and successful – inspiring companies who were not successful to take on their own apprentices.

“We hope this year to do the same and by investing in a six-month apprentice ourselves will support one local company during the early days.

Heckmondwike-based 600 UK won the apprentice in 2013.

Managing director Mike Berry said: “We are proud to have worked so closely with Huddersfield Town Foundation and MY and are really impressed with the level of young Yorkshire engineering talent.

“Luis Lowe joined 600 UK 18 months ago as an engineering apprentice, where he has made a strong impact with us and we are fully confident that he will continue to do so in the future.”

Melanie Brook, vice-principal at Kirklees College, said: “From research, we know that apprentices are more loyal, they stay with the company longer and the employer gains a better return on staff investment.

“This is a real opportunity to mould and shape a young person whilst having the dual benefit of receiving bespoke training to meet the needs of their business.”

To compete, visit the Kirklees College stand at Manufactured Yorkshire on June 9 and 10 at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield and fill in an application form.

MY is free for manufacturers and buyers to attend.

Register at www.manufacturedyorkshire.com