STUDENTS have been helping to bridge a gap in a region where record youth unemployment sits side by side with a skills shortage for talented engineers.
Year 9 pupils at Darlington School of Mathematics and Science took part in a Foundation for Jobs event designed to attract new blood into the lucrative field of engineering.
The Darlington Partnership Low Carbon Engineering event featured a host of practical activities encouraging students to think of alternative solutions to a variety of industrial issues.
Students were able to get a close up view of machinery ranging from traditional diesel engines to the latest electric vehicles and renewable energy generators such as wind turbines.
DSMS head of technology Peter Doughty said he had been told that engineering was worth £7.5bn a year to the region and yet there was a shortage of engineers.
“We desperately need a new generation of qualified engineers or industry could face major problems,” he said.
“The perception is that there are no jobs in manufacturing any more in this country but the reality is that engineers can command top salaries and travel the world.”
Foundation for Jobs co-ordinator Owen McAteer said: “The key aim is to introduce young people to the sectors where the most jobs are set to be created in the North-East.
“One of those key areas is engineering as what we have found is that many young people have misconceptions of what modern engineering comprises. This event is to give them an insight into the skills and roles needed.”
Year 9 student Carl Younghusband said: “We have all really enjoyed the day and have learnt a lot about the opportunities out there for engineers.”
