SCHOOL pupils have been bridge building with the aim of inspiring them to become tomorrow’s civil engineers.

Pupils from primary and secondary schools in Darlington have been attending a week of sessions where they build the cable-stayed bridge, owned by The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North-East, from scratch and then carry out the ultimate test of walking across it.

It is the third year in a row that ICE has joined forces with Foundation for Jobs and Darlington College, which hosts the activity, to give children and young people a hands-on example of civil engineering work.

Pupils from Hurworth School took part in the event on Friday, with other schools taking part in the coming days.

Tomorrow’s Engineers Week aims to change perceptions of engineering among young people, their parents and teachers. It also celebrates everyday engineering heroes who design, create and innovate to improve the lives of people in society.

Penny Marshall, Director, ICE North East, said: “Tomorrow’s Engineers Week is an important way of engaging with young people and those who influence the choices they make in life, to ensure they have a strong understanding of the opportunities available in engineering.

“The activities we facilitate through the use of the replica bridge educate young people, as well as encouraging the sort of teamwork you would expect in the real world of engineering. We are pleased to have once again been able to work with Darlington College to be able to engage with the youngsters from these schools.”

Kate Roe, Principal of Darlington College, said: “This is the third year that we have welcomed the bridge into college and we look forward to working with young people from across the town as they consider their future career choices. Engineering is one of our most popular courses in college and we believe in giving people a chance to have a taste of the industry at a young age.”

As a major part of the region’s economy engineering is a key area for Foundation for Jobs in its aim to match young people’s aspirations with the North-East employment market.

Many young people were not only unaware of which industries are set to create the most jobs in the North-East in the years to come but also had outdated perceptions of those industries and the varied range of jobs and skills required.

Now a national award-winning project, 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.

It has worked with more than 3,600 young people since it was launched in January 2012.

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