TEENAGE pupils were told how engineering firms need young people with skills and imagination as a major school facility opened.

Hurworth School, near Darlington, has opened an engineering suite, which includes laser cutters and 3D printers.

It also has a computer technology suite, enabling pupils to cover skills required to make a product from design through to prototype.

The opening was carried out by Darlington MP Jenny Chapman and Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, with young people from both their constituencies’ pupils at the school.

Both had recently visited engineering firms and seen the wide range of skills and abilities they required.

Mr Wilson said: “The people working there are being creative, not just using their practical skills but also their imagination.”

The new suite will support the school’s launch of a GCSE (Double Award) Engineering, in September.

Around 40 pupils are taking the qualification, which is equivalent to two GCSEs, with more than a quarter of those studying for it female pupils.

There is an industry drive to get more young women to consider engineering careers, and Ms Chapman said she was pleased to see so many young women studying for the qualification.

She added: “The world of engineering is better for having representation of the whole population not just half of it.”

Firms including Cummins Engines, Darchem and Fab-Tech have supported the school in the development of the qualification and new facility.

Encouraging young people’s interest in engineering and other sectors facing skills gaps is a key focus of Foundation for Jobs.

An 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.

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