A CAREERS fair held at County Hall at Trowbridge has aimed to encourage more young people to consider a future in engineering.

The Engineers of the Future event which was run by Wiltshire Council was a day of exhibitions and presentations for pupils and teachers which showcased engineering as an exciting, rewarding and creative career.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook, OBE, Leader of Wiltshire Council, welcomed guests to the event.

She said: “We need the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers to help shape the future of our world.

“Not enough young people, especially girls, think it’s a career for them. That costs us so much potential talent, and it robs youngsters of a chance to pursue a fascinating and satisfying profession.”

Attractions, demonstrations and hands-on experiences were led by a wide range of local engineering employers, universities and other organisations linked with engineering, and enjoyed by the teenagers.

Displays came from the Royal Academy of Engineering, The James Dyson Foundation, University of Bath, University of Southampton, Wiltshire College, The Army, Wessex Water and the REME Museum.

The Engineers of the Future fair on Tuesday was part of the Year of Engineering, a Government project which celebrates the vital contribution the profession makes to the economy.

A spokesman from the Year of Engineering said: “From spaceships to ice skates, the bubbles in chocolate bars to life saving cancer treatment, engineering touches every part of our lives. However, not enough young people – especially young girls – think it’s a world for them.”

The fair explained the ways in which Wiltshire Council can work with schools to encourage more youngsters to take up engineering and the support that can be given through the Swindon and Wiltshire Enterprise Adviser Network, helping schools to work more closely with business.