A CAMPAIGN launched to encourage young people into engineering is underway in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council is supporting the national Year in Engineering campaign which is encouraging more young people, especially women, to enter the profession.

The campaign unites local authorities, national government and businesses to showcase the creativity, variety and innovation of the profession. It also highlights the opportunities and benefits of engineering careers for all young people.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children, said: “The Year of Engineering is a great campaign which helps young people understand more about the industry.

"We are offering a number of experiences that we hope will inspire young people, and especially young women, to choose engineering as a career.”

Wiltshire Council is embedding engineering into the curriculum and school activity, including in the many careers fairs that schools host throughout the year.

Rhiann Surgenor, 24, is on the road to a career in engineering as a Wiltshire Council support officer in Highways based at the Wilton depot.

She said: “If you are interested in engineering don’t be afraid to go for it.

“Even though the industry is male dominated and it is not the career path I imagined myself on, I find it fascinating that I am involved in fixing something. Every day is different. You never know what you’re going to find when you come into the office.

“There is so much to learn and with the progression comes more involvement. The more younger people that come into the industry means more innovation in the way things are done. Do what you can to achieve your goals.”