Oldham 'hub of success' for women in manufacturing

According to the Oldham-based Gi Group, a HR and recruitment specialist, the borough has received a big boost in women applying and securing roles in the industry with their client, Park Cakes, leading the way.

On a mission to shape the future of manufacturing, the company discovered that although women make up half of the overall labour market, they account for just 26 per cent within the manufacturing industry.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

A manufacturing whitepaper by the company, which included insight from 240 industry experts from Brazil, China, Italy, Poland, Germany and the UK, found 83 per cent of those interviewed believed their company will employ more women over the next five years with 39 per cent believing this was due to an industry-wide mindset shift.

Daniela Costea, senior account manager at Gi Group, said: "The manufacturing industry has long been established as a male-dominated industry, which is why we are supporting our clients to extend their experiences and support to more women.

"The manufacturing industry is a developing and growing landscape, with an increased focus on STEM-related skills."

Kristy Kenney, senior operations manager at Gi Group Pro (Image: Gi Group)

She also said the company is in a "prime position" to positively influence the industry and that the "masculine stereotype of the manufacturing industry is being left behind".

Ms Costea continued: “One of our clients, Oldham-based Park Cakes, is a great example of showcasing female diversity within their workforce.

"Park Cakes is focused on offering greater workplace flexibility, and career progression to entice a more female-led workforce."

Park Cakes has seen a four per cent increase in the number of women applying for roles within the industry compared year-on-year.

Kristy Kenney, senior operations manager at Gi Group Pro, added: “Through the extensive research of our parent companies, we have found that corporations across the globe are predicting the introduction of more women into the manufacturing industry.

"Through the modernisation of this industry, we hope to see an increase in female leaders within major manufacturing businesses and more women entering the sector as a first-choice career path.

"The working landscape is constantly shifting, as skill sets and expectations alter - for companies to maintain a driven and successful workforce they must adapt.”

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.