LMF Higher Level Skills For Manufacturing

Join us at Leeds Beckett University to explore how higher education and industry can collaborate to boost skills, innovation, and growth in manufacturing.

As a part of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival this event will bring together employers, graduates, HR and careers professionals to share insights on career pathways in manufacturing and how graduate recruitment, degree-level apprenticeships and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can help to drive productivity and business growth in West Yorkshire and the UK.

We will highlight how collaboration between universities and industry can help address skills gaps, solve complex business challenges, and foster a culture of innovation through facilitated discussion and real‑world examples. The session will also highlight the benefits of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), with both a KTP Associate and a business partner sharing their first‑hand experiences. Find out how KTPs work in practice, the challenges they can help address, and the tangible impact they can have in driving innovation, developing skills, and supporting long‑term business growth.

This is a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and explore practical ways of working together to shape the future of manufacturing.

Speakers will include:

Sarah Robinson – Business Development Officer (Degree Apprenticeships)

Sarah works with employers to develop and deliver degree apprenticeships, supporting businesses to upskill and grow their workforce while embedding academic learning into the workplace.

Mike Hall – Employer Engagement Operations Consultant (Student Futures)

Mike supports employers to engage with student and graduate talent, helping organisations access future skills through placements, projects, and graduate opportunities.

Tim Turner – Operations Director, Abraham Moon

Tim leads operations at Abraham Moon, bringing an industry perspective on business innovation and growth, and sharing how collaboration with the university through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership has supported the organisation.

Abi McMahon – KTP Associate, Abraham Moon

Abi is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate, working at the interface between the university and Abraham Moon to deliver innovation, apply research in practice, and develop high‑level skills that drive business impact.

We will also host a Q&A panel featuring recent graduates, who will share their experiences, discuss the impact of working in industry on their careers, and explore how to nurture new talent to help them thrive - Full speaker line up TBC

This event forms part of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival and aligns with the Pathways into Careers in Manufacturing and Engineering event, together forming a joined‑up approach to skills development, employer engagement, and career awareness, book your tickets via -

Pathways into Careers in Manufacturing and Engineering Tickets, Wednesday, May 6 • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Eventbrite

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Host or Publisher Leeds Beckett University - The Knowledge Exchange