STUDENTS were able to try their hand at making bio-plastics in a visit aimed at inspiring their interest in engineering careers.

More than 40 students from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College (QE), in Darlington, visited Bradford University’s Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) Centre to learn more about routes into the industry sector.

The students were all either studying science or participating in the QE’s Future Engineers scheme, which forges links with universities and employers to inspire students to become engineers.

The QE is also a supporter of the national award-winning Foundation for Jobs campaign, which works to dispel perceptions young people may have of industries key to the North-East economy, such as engineering.

Many young people believed it to be dirty or grimy, whereas today's engineers more often than not work with cutting-edge technology.

Liz Bryan, the college’s future engineers co-ordinator said: “The modern labs and the equipment students work with dispelled any myths about engineering and demonstrated how we need engineers to work in research and development in every area of life.”

During the visit, the students tried their hand at making bio-plastics as an introduction to environmental engineering.

They also met the university’s student ambassadors, one studying biomedical engineering, and a post graduate who had studied civil engineering as his first degree and who is now doing his post graduate in environmental engineering and sustainability.

James Steward, a QE first year student, said: “I'm considering civil or mechanical engineering at university, and the visit gave me real insight into the different courses.”

Engineering is a major employer in the North-East, but is facing significant skills gaps with around 8,500 skilled workers are due to retire from engineering and manufacturing roles in the region by 2016.

Foundation for Jobs is a joint initiative to tackle youth unemployment involving The Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council 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 more information, contact owen.mcateer@darlington.gov.uk or visit foundationforjobs.co.uk