Manufacturing

From cars to computers, soap to cereal - these are all manufactured products. They all came from a design, and are made in such a way that every single one follows the same blueprint.

When you start to think about how many things you use every day, you'll start to get a picture of just how big this sector is. Around 3 million people work in it, doing literally hundreds of jobs. They include operatives, skilled craftspeople, technicians and technologists. In manufacturing, there's also professional engineers, designers, scientists and creative craft workers.

What's great is that many of the best products come from the simplest ideas, so you don't have to think like a rocket scientist to make your mark here either. And you don't necessarily have to work for a big business either. Start ups and smaller companies are just as popular a route to go down.

The UK has manufacturing plants all over, producing a huge range of products and goods from textiles to food and drink, furniture and pharmaceutical products. Some areas are even known for producing certain things: Like steel, glass or ceramics.

There are approximately 7,784 people employed in chemical manufacturing in the Humber with more employed in the food processing and manufacturing industries.

The new Diplomas in Manufacturing and Product design and Engineering reflect the close links between the two sectors.

For more information visit www.semta.org.uk or www.yp.direct.gov/diplomas