PUPILS got a taste of a career in engineering when they paid a visit to one of the district’s biggest firms.

Year Six students from Tollesbury Primary School, in East Street, got hands on as they were shown around Gibbons Engineering Group’s base in Woodrolfe Road on Monday.

The company welcomed 23 children to its offices and workshops as part of its Year of Engineering 2018 partnership.

The scheme is a Government-led initiative to encourage young people to consider a career in engineering.

Gibbons Engineering arranged a variety of activities designed to give children an idea of the challenges offered by the industry.

After being shown around the workshops and seeing engineers building control panels and repairing electric motors, the children were divided into two groups for the four activities.

The first saw the children identify places within the home where electric motors and pumps are used.

Following this, the pupils built a motorised model car in small groups, which required them to follow instructions and work as a team.

The children also got the opportunity to build their own electric motor with a battery, paper clips, magnets and copper wire.

Finally, they created a simple water pump from a bottle, straw and a balloon – a task which was so popular that the school is planning to demonstrate it to its Early Years pupils.

Once all activities had been completed, the children were presented with certificates and goodie bags before returning to school.

Tollesbury primary school class teacher Amanda Tomkins said: “I was in awe of the activities.

“The children relished the opportunities to get hands on and creative.

“I must commend all the staff for their patience, enthusiasm and willingness to help the children.”

Gibbons’ marketing manager and event organiser Nadya Damhar added: “I am delighted at the enthusiasm the children showed for all the tasks and we look forward to welcoming the school back in the future.”

The national Year of Engineering campaign is aimed at young people aged seven to 16, their parents and their teachers.

The UK Space Agency will be supporting the campaign by funding projects.