PUPILS were given an insight into working at an engineering firm when apprentices visited them in the classroom.

About 140 year seven and year eight pupils at Darlington School of Maths and Science (DSMS) were involved in the sessions with two present and one former apprentice from Darchem Engineering.

Jack Finn, 17, and Michael Baxter, 21, are working through apprenticeships with the firm, based in Stillington, near Darlington, while Joe Cornbill, 21, is now studying for his HNC, paid for by Darchem.

The sessions were supported by Shona McCreedy, from the National Apprenticeship Service in the North-East.

Delivered under the banner of the Foundation for Jobs campaign, they were aimed at giving the youngsters an early insight into both engineering and apprenticeships in general.

Promoting engineering and challenging young people’s perceptions of the industry is a key aim of Foundation for Jobs, which seeks to address youth unemployment issues with action stretching from primary school level through to 24-year-olds who have found themselves unemployed and are struggling to find work.

Research has shown that young people who have direct contact with industry while still at school are up to five times less likely to be unemployed at the age of 25.

Foundation for Jobs co-ordinator Owen McAteer said: “It is fantastic for pupils to be able to meet young people who are already in the workplace and hear about their experiences.

“The sessions were really constructive and we really appreciate both Darchem and the National Apprenticeship Service giving up their time to assist us with this.

“Often it is just giving that little bit of guidance to the pupils or showing them how their studies are relevant to the real world, that can make all the difference.”

Foundation for Jobs is an award-winning scheme involving Darlington Borough Council, The Northern Echo and the Darlington Partnership, of public and private sector organisations.

Darchem is one of the North-East’s largest employers of engineering apprentices.

Its managing director Graham Payne is an ambassador for Foundation for Jobs.

The firm employs about 650 staff working in five business units, covering aerospace, insulation systems, specialist fabrications, thermal protection and nuclear systems for sectors such as the motor industry, defence and oil and gas.

For further details about the campaign, contact co-ordinator Owen McAteer at owen.mcateer@darlington.gov.uk