Wetherby's youngest mayor meets next generation building skilled careers at Arville Textiles

Wetherby’s youngest-ever Mayor has met the apprentices and young people building skilled careers at one of the town’s largest employers. 

Councillor Connor Mulhall, 26, visited technical textile manufacturer Arville as part of a two-stage visit celebrating the company’s investment in both Wetherby and its next generation of manufacturing talent. 

The visit began in the 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 sponsorship reflects its 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. 

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 specialist manufacturing processes involved in producing world-class technical textiles. 

Led by Simon Hartley, Arville’s Group Head of Engineering and Manufacturing Projects, the factory tour followed the manufacturing journey from yarn and weaving through to inspection and wider production.

The Mayor saw some of the specialist machinery and technical expertise required to engineer fabrics for demanding applications across sectors including defence, aerospace, automotive, filtration and industrial manufacturing. 

The main focus of the visit was the opportunity to meet Arville’s apprentices, young employees and wider team, and hear how they are developing skilled careers within the technical textiles industry. 

Councillor Mulhall’s own career began when he left sixth form to undertake an apprenticeship with O2, where he continues to work alongside his civic responsibilities.

This gave him a personal understanding of the opportunities apprenticeships can provide for young people who want to earn, learn and build a career. 

As a Wetherby local, he also recognised several familiar faces during the factory tour. 

Simon Hartley, Group Head of Engineering & Manufacturing Projects at Arville, who led the Mayor’s factory tour, 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, we aim to give them opportunities to progress and move into different roles where their experience and interests may be best suited.”  

Councillor Mulhall commented: “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.” 

Arville’s award-winning Apprentice Programme gives young people the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience using 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 knowledge while creating new career opportunities for young people in and around Wetherby. 

As a long-established, family-run manufacturer celebrating its 75th anniversary, Arville places strong emphasis on long-term careers and retaining the skills and experience of its people. 

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. 

Arville Textiles is currently recruiting Apprentice Weavers at its Wetherby manufacturing site. 

Successful applicants will learn a skilled trade in a working manufacturing environment, gain practical experience and work towards a recognised Level 2 apprenticeship qualification. 

For further information and to apply, visit: www.arville.com/careers