A MANUFACTURER is finding renewed interest in the sector among young people, thanks to an innovative scheme.

Yamazaki Mazak, in Warndon, Worcester, is benefiting from increased interest among school pupils through a work-based scheme that sees up to 20 students train with the machine tool manufacturer each year.

Team leader and manufacturing support engineer, Dave Barnett, works with students on the company's work experience programme, also liaising with teachers and staff.

"When we first started the scheme, it was the usual sons and daughters who came into the factory for a week," he said.

"At first we had the situation where schools would send engineering companies such as ourselves students that they could not place anywhere else and many of them had little interest in engineering as a career. But we are now approaching schools and providing work experience to target potential apprentices and we are finding the calibre of students is improving.

"Part of my job is to explain to teachers what engineering is all about, highlight the academic qualifications required and point out the opportunities - today's apprentices are tomorrow's team leaders and Yamazaki Mazak will always encourage progression, including sponsoring university education".

Laura Underwood, from Worcester's Elgar Technology College, visited the factory with her father before starting work and was surprised to find her vision of engineering as a "Black Country sweatshop" unfounded.

The year 10 student now intends to pursue an engineering apprenticeship and is taking GCSE subjects that will help her future career.

However, it was the "hands on" experience of real work that convinced her engineering was a good career choice.

"Now that I have worked here, it is much more interesting than I expected," she said.

"At Yamazaki they actually let you do things, not just stand back and watch. During the week, I have helped to complete two spindle assemblies and delivered them to the production line. This has given me an understanding of build quality and working to deadlines."

Each student fills in a logbook - with supervisors adding their comments - and teachers are encouraged to visit students at the factory.