Product category:
Pumps, Vacuum pumps
News Release from: Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 October 2003
Schools interest overwhelms Gilkes
Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon Ltd, the specialist manufacturer of pumps, water engineering solutions and hydro-turbines, were overwhelmed by the interest from local schools in visiting their plant
Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon Ltd, the specialist manufacturer of pumps, water engineering solutions and hydro turbines based in Kendal, Cumbria have been overwhelmed by the interest shown by local schools in the manufacturing capabilities of this prestigious Cumbrian company Gilkes, who are specialists in the design, manufacture, supply, installation and servicing of pumps, water engineering solutions and hydro turbines are one of the oldest independent "Fluid Engineering" companies based in the UK
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 9 Dec 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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As part of the company's 150 year celebrations, Gilkes sent out invitations to the local schools inviting pupils to visit the Kendal based manufacturing site and see for themselves the expertise employed in manufacturing world class pumps and hydro turbines.
Little did the company know the overwhelming response from the schools would result in Gilkes entertaining two schools per day for a full fortnight! This interest from the schools required Gilkes to develop a standard structured visit for the pupils, which included a tour of the factory, a presentation on the history of Gilkes dating back to the original beginnings in 1853, a quiz, and a tour of the new on-site "History of Gilkes" exhibition.
The exhibition displays photographs, product drawings and interesting information that spans 3 centuries of manufacturing expertise and includes information on projects including the supply of a hydro turbine to power a dynamo which provided electric light to the first private house in the UK.
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Sharon Bianchi, Marketing Executive for Gilkes explains "We hoped the local community would show some interest in Gilkes, but we were absolutely overwhelmed by the response from the schools".
"In the case of some schools, two visits were arranged to accommodate the interest" Sharon continues "What amazed us the most was the enthusiasm from the pupils, they had never seen anything like this before, I think if they could have started working in the factory the next day they would".
"Popular culture seems to be pushing kids towards working in the media, or being a pop star or a footballer: our experience from this exercise is that interest in manufacturing is alive and well, and the workforce of the future will be happy to work for Gilkes".
Two of the parties who visited Gilkes were 6th form pupils, with the remaining groups comprising of 9-11 year olds.
Gilkes operate an apprentice scheme taking on 3 or 4 trainees every year.
After these school visits, the company is confident the apprentice schemes will attract the best applicants for years to come.
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