TWO bright sparks are standing out from the crowd as the only two girls on a training course for welders.

Pamela Hempshall and Lisa Clement, both 16, from Barnard Castle, are taking a welding and fabrication course at Teesdale Training, in Barnard Castle.

The NVQ level one course teaches trainees a variety skills, including how to use 16 different pieces of equipment, health and safety, gas welding and cutting.

Course tutor Harry Wright said he warned the girls that they should be prepared to get their hands dirty.

He said: "When Pamela and Lisa joined the course, I gave them a very clear picture as to what a career in welding would entail.

"I also made it plain that it was hardly a clean job, but this did not seem to bother them at all, and their work so far has been excellent."

The two girls must complete level one and two of the NVQ course before progressing to a City and Guilds qualification in fabrication and welding.

Lisa said: "I had always enjoyed working with cars and had considered becoming a car mechanic, but I found out about the course and enrolled.

"My mum thinks it's very good, because not many women become welders, and maybe welding should be considered and promoted better as a career to other women."

To find out more about work- based training courses after leaving school, contact County Durham Training and Enterprise council on (01325) 372700.