FEMALE pupils at a North-East school were given a first-hand introduction to the opportunities available to them in engineering, as the sector strives to attract more women.

The 15 pupils at St Aidan’s Academy in Darlington were able to carry out computer aided design tasks as well as meet woman who had flourished in the engineering sector.

The event, organised by Foundation for Jobs and Darlington College, marked National Women in Engineering Day on Monday (June 23).

A team from Cummins Engines’ Darlington plant delivered the practical tasks while female engineers from subsea firm Modus and Teesside University where on hand to provide guidance to the girls, aged 13 and 14.

The event, held at Darlington College, came as engineering, a major employment sector for the North-East continues to struggle to attract young women, despite facing imminent skills shortages.

About 8,500 skilled workers are due to retire from engineering and manufacturing roles in the region by 2016.

A spokesman for Foundation for Jobs said: “A key aim of Foundation for Jobs is to encourage young people to look at opportunities in sectors such as engineering, which are expected to be major creators of jobs in the North-East.

“It is also vitally important that we demonstrate to young people, who may not have any background knowledge of these sectors, that these industries offer opportunities to enjoy a successful and fulfilling career at all levels, regardless of their gender.

“Events like this play a vital part in challenging preconceptions the young people involved may have and we are grateful to all the companies and individuals involved for giving us the opportunity to do that.”

National Women in Engineering Day was set up by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) to celebrate its 95th anniversary.

WES Vice President Dawn Bonfield said: “Girls are very unclear about what exactly engineering is, and so anything that can be done to raise their awareness and promote engineering as a viable career option is very much needed.”

Now a national award-winning project, Foundation for Jobs is a joint initiative to tackle youth unemployment involving Darlington Borough Council, The Northern Echo and the Darlington Partnership of private firms and public sector organisations, which has also enjoyed support from businesses and industrialists across the whole North-East region.

For further details contact owen.mcateer@darlington.gov.uk or go to www.foundationforjobs.co.uk