PUPILS from two high schools got the chance to find out more about careers in engineering when they visited Northwich-based advanced manufacturing company Cygnet Texkimp and its sister company Secc Oil and Gas.

A total of 29 pupils from years 9 and 10 at Weaverham High School and Leftwich High School took part in the visits, which were designed to give them a taste of what a career in engineering is like.

Cygnet Texkimp manufactures machinery to process technical fibres including carbon fibre used to build lightweight car and aeroplane parts, while Secc Oil and Gas manufactures innovative pipeline connectors for the oil and gas industry.

After a tour of the companies’ design and manufacturing centre and a talk from apprentice engineers from Cygnet Texkimp’s Apprenticeship Academy, the pupils took part in a hands-on engineering challenge to assemble machinery parts.

“It’s great for young people to see how their studies in science, technology and maths could translate into a rewarding and interesting career,” said Cygnet Texkimp’s Karen Whitehouse.

“We’re very fortunate to have an excellent team of apprentices, many of who come from our local area, who could share their experiences with our visitors.

“The visits have been a great success, and we hope we’ve inspired more young people to pursue careers in our sector.”