Wetherby Mayor meets the next generation building skilled careers at Arville Textiles
A visit celebrating Arville’s investment in its hometown and the young people shaping the future of technical textile manufacturing
Arville has welcomed Wetherby’s youngest-ever Mayor, Councillor Connor Mulhall, for a visit celebrating the company’s investment in both the local community and the next generation of manufacturing talent.
The visit began in Wetherby town centre, where Councillor Mulhall unveiled new plaques recognising Arville’s second year of sponsorship for Wetherby in Bloom.
The floral displays and branded plaques have been installed at the pergola overlooking Wetherby’s ancient Grade II listed bridge. The pergola provides a relaxing place for residents and visitors to pause, enjoy views of the river and watch the world go by.
Arville’s continued support reflects the company’s commitment to the town it has called home for more than 75 years and to the community organisations and volunteers who help make Wetherby an attractive and welcoming place.
Pictured L to R: Gaynor Hull, Arville Laboratory Manager, Margaret Dabell, Wetherby In Bloom Chair, Councillor Connor Mulhall, Mayor of Wetherby
Behind the scenes at Arville
Having often driven past Arville’s Sandbeck factory and wondered, “What goes on in there?”, Councillor Mulhall was invited behind the scenes to discover the people, skills and manufacturing processes involved in producing world-class technical textiles.
Led by Simon Hartley, Arville’s Group Head of Engineering & Manufacturing Projects, who began his own career with the company as an Apprentice Weaver and Technician 30 years ago.
Simon’s progression provided a powerful example of where an apprenticeship and the development of specialist technical skills can lead. He guided the Mayor through the manufacturing journey, from yarn and weaving to inspection and the wider production process.
The Mayor saw some of the specialist machinery and expertise required to engineer fabrics for demanding applications across industries including defence, aerospace, automotive, filtration and industrial manufacturing.
More importantly, the visit gave him the opportunity to meet Arville’s current apprentices, young employees and wider team, and hear how they are developing the skills that could support their own long-term careers within the technical textiles industry.
Mayor of Wetherby meets young workforce in the Inspection Department
Creating skilled opportunities for young people
At just 26, Councillor Mulhall is Wetherby’s youngest-ever Mayor. His own career began when he left sixth form to undertake an apprenticeship with O2, where he continues to work alongside his civic responsibilities.
His personal experience made the visit particularly relevant as Arville continues to create opportunities for young people to learn skilled trades, gain recognised qualifications and build long-term careers close to home.
Councillor Mulhall said:
“As a young person myself, I think it’s particularly encouraging to see businesses like Arville creating opportunities for the next generation here in Wetherby.
“Apprenticeships give young people the chance to learn valuable skills, gain qualifications and build a career without having to look further afield. It’s great to see a local business investing both in the town through Wetherby in Bloom and in the people who will be part of its future.”
As a local lad, the Mayor also recognised several familiar faces during the factory tour, reinforcing the close relationship between Arville and the wider Wetherby community.
Simon Hartley, Group Head of Engineering & Manufacturing Projects at Arville, said:
“That sense of local connection runs throughout Arville, with different generations of the same families choosing to build their careers with us.
“We believe this speaks volumes about the opportunities, progression and sense of community our people find here. Someone may begin as an Apprentice Weaver or Weaver, but their career does not have to follow one fixed path. As people develop their skills and discover their strengths, there are opportunities to progress and move into different roles across the business.”
Mayor of Wetherby meets young people forging a career in weaving technical textiles
Earn, learn and build a long-term career
Arville’s award-winning Apprenticeship Programme gives young people the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience with modern weaving technology and work towards a recognised Level 2 qualification.
No previous textile or weaving experience is required. Apprentices train alongside experienced colleagues and develop practical knowledge of machinery, yarns, fabrics, quality and safety, as well as the wider technical textiles sector.
The programme forms part of Arville’s commitment to preserving specialist manufacturing skills while creating new career opportunities for young people in and around Wetherby.
As a long-established, family-run manufacturer and one of the town’s largest employers, Arville believes investment in people and investment in place go hand in hand.
Its support for Wetherby in Bloom and its focus on apprenticeships share the same purpose: helping Wetherby remain a proud, skilled community offering genuine opportunities for future generations.
Mayor of Wetherby, Councillor Connor Mulhall, meets local Apprentice
Apprentice Weaver opportunities
Arville Textiles is currently recruiting Apprentice Weavers at its Wetherby manufacturing site.
To learn more and apply, visit www.arville.com/careers.
