A FAMILY firm making material and battery handling equipment opened its doors to young engineers keen to learn about the industry.

A-Tech Fabrications, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, welcomed pupils from Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle, for the Schools Engineering and Enterprising Challenge.

The event aimed to introduce students to the world of work, while promoting the engineering and manufacturing sectors and apprenticeships.

Youngsters were shown a robotics display, discussed a marketing plan, spoke about how money works in business, and learned about the disciplines involved in production.

They also took part in a production line task, delivered by specialist training firm Manufacturing Excellence, based in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

Jennifer Manners, A-Tech Fabrications’ co-owner, said: “As a growing regional company always on the look out for talented new recruits, we know how important it is to invest time in our young people as they are the future of our industry.

“The students got a lot out of their visit and hopefully it has given some of them a real appetite to pursue careers in engineering or manufacturing.”

Organised by the South Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Forum, and supported by the Teesdale Action Partnership and Manufacturing Excellence, the challenge is open to schools across south Durham.

Shaun Stuart, South Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Forum manager, added: “The visit was all about giving the students the chance to see how a growing company operates.

“Everyone got a lot from the visit and who knows, some of them could go on to become A-Tech workers in the future.”