YEAR eight girls from local schools spent two days at Somerset College in Taunton, to learn about the construction and engineering industries.

The college has launched a Girls into Construction and Engineering Project, to respond to local industry needs and encourage students to consider these industries.

The project has enabled the students to attend the EDF Energy visitor centre at Hinkley Point B, where they undertook practical projects and viewed the current development works.

They also spent a day and a half in Somerset College’s state-of-the-art construction and engineering workshops, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of trades.

The students also learned about the professional routes open to them in civil engineering and construction, through a series of talks and workshops by college lecturers and female ambassadors.

College principal Rachel Davies said: “We’re committed to inspiring the next generation of professional people in the South-West.

“Through initiatives like Girls into Construction and Engineering, we are able to support local employers by planting seeds for the next generation of Somerset’s workforce.

“In addition, the project reflects our commitment to encouraging equality in all industries, with a good mix of genders across sectors.”