A group of Vale schoolgirls networked with employers and providers from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) sectors as part of an apprenticeships event.

They also heard from apprentices and their employers at the event, which was organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and was hosted at Vale of Leven Academy.

The S2 to S6 pupils heard from Thales Group modern apprentice engineer Lisa Gray and her manager Naomi Mitchison. The pupils then networked with a number of local employers from different sectors.

Kirsteen Allison, SDS’s national training programmes equality executive, said: “SDS is keen to encourage more young women to consider careers in the STEM industries and the aim of the Vale of Leven event was to show the variety of apprenticeships that are available.

“Some of the girls said they are now considering an apprenticeship as an option when they leave school.”

Local employers who presented at the event and showcased their apprenticeship programmes included Aggreko, Arnold Clark, Print Scotland, Babcock, West Dunbartonshire Council and Tell Training.

Over the course of the morning the pupils learned how to use engineering equipment, took part in workshops and saw videos of apprentices speaking about their experiences of learning and earning.

Stuart Aitkenhead, Babcock Clyde safety and compliance director, said: “ Babcock was delighted to take part in this event. It underpins our drive to encourage the next generation of engineers, particularly during the 2018 Year of Engineering.”

For more details about local events and apprenticeships visit apprenticeship.scot.