National Manufacturing Day is about more than opening your doors for one day – it's an opportunity to build lasting relationships that can help strengthen your future workforce.

One of the most valuable connections manufacturers can make is with their local Jobcentre. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers a free recruitment service through Jobcentre Plus, helping employers advertise vacancies, connect with local jobseekers and access government-backed employment and skills initiatives.

If you're hosting a National Manufacturing Day event this year, consider inviting your local Work Coaches and jobseekers to visit your site. 

Giving them the opportunity to see modern manufacturing first-hand can help challenge outdated perceptions of the sector, raise awareness of the careers your business offers and create a pipeline of future talent long after the day itself.

Below, we've answered some of the most common questions about working with Jobcentre Plus and how you can use National Manufacturing Day to strengthen your local recruitment efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're recruiting for one vacancy or one hundred, Jobcentre Plus offers a free recruitment service designed to help employers find the right people.

A local Employer Adviser can work with you to:

  • Advertise vacancies to local jobseekers.
  • Match suitable candidates to your roles.
  • Organise recruitment events or interview days.
  • Develop sector-based work experience or training opportunities.
  • Provide advice on apprenticeships, employment support and available government funding.

Working with your local Jobcentre isn't just about filling immediate vacancies – it's about building a longer-term relationship with people who understand your business and can help connect you with future talent.

Manufacturers can advertise vacancies free of charge through the Government's Find a Job service, making opportunities visible to thousands of jobseekers across the UK.

You can create an employer account to post vacancies, manage applications and access additional recruitment support. If you'd prefer a more tailored approach, your local Employer Adviser can also promote roles directly to suitable candidates.

Depending on your business and who you're looking to recruit, there may be government support available, including funding linked to apprenticeships, work experience and youth employment initiatives.

The Government's Youth Guarantee is expanding support for employers recruiting young people aged 16–24, with new incentives becoming available over the coming year, including recruitment grants, apprenticeship support and subsidised employment opportunities for eligible employers.

Your local Employer Adviser will be able to explain what support is currently available and whether your business is eligible.

Yes. Jobcentre Plus works with a wide range of jobseekers, including young people entering the labour market, career changers, people returning to work, veterans and people with disabilities or health conditions.

Employers can also join the Disability Confident scheme to demonstrate their commitment to inclusive recruitment and access guidance on attracting and supporting disabled people in the workplace.

National Manufacturing Day is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your local Jobcentre while showcasing the exciting careers available in manufacturing.

As well as inviting schools, colleges and local stakeholders, consider extending an invitation to your local Work Coaches and Employer Advisers. 

They work every day with people looking for employment and can become valuable advocates for your business once they've seen your facilities, met your team and gained a better understanding of the roles you offer.

You could also invite local jobseekers to attend your National Manufacturing Day event. Experiencing modern manufacturing first-hand can challenge outdated perceptions of the sector, highlight the variety of careers available and encourage people to consider opportunities they may never have previously explored.

The stronger your relationship with your local Jobcentre, the better placed they will be to identify suitable candidates and promote manufacturing careers within your community long after National Manufacturing Day has finished.

Getting started is straightforward.

Complete the online employer enquiry form or call the Employer Services Line on 0800 169 0178. A local Employer Adviser will then contact you to discuss your recruitment needs and the support available in your area.

Whether you're looking to recruit today, build a future talent pipeline or make your National Manufacturing Day event even more impactful, Jobcentre Plus can be a valuable partner in helping you connect with your local workforce.

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