More than 20 Dorset companies are backing an initiative aimed at encouraging young people to take up engineering as a career.

BCP Council is organising the dedicated ‘Careers in Engineering’ event which is being hosted by Curtiss-Wright at Christchurch’s Aviation Business Park.

The free event, on Thursday November 7 from 6pm to 8pm, is open to students currently in school years ten to 13 (14 years and older) and their parents.

It hopes to inspire young people to pursue sustainable, rewarding, interesting and worthwhile careers in the engineering sector.

Attendees will be given the opportunity to speak directly to some of Dorset’s and, arguably, the world’s best engineering companies.

Students will be able to find out what it’s like to work in engineering, the skills local employers are looking for and receive valuable insights into their next career steps.

Councillor Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said: “Clustered around areas such as the Port of Poole and Bournemouth Airport, we have an incredibly rich engineering and advanced manufacturing sector.

“We now want a new generation to find out about the remarkable work that is happening on our doorstep and be inspired by the innovative companies who are promoting our region on the international stage.

“I encourage young people to make the most out of this exciting opportunity and find out more about engineering careers.’’

The companies taking part are: Aeroflex Hose and Engineering; AGI/Aish; Babcock International Group; BAE Systems; Caterpillar Marine Power; Cobham PLC; Curtiss-Wright; DSTL – Defence Science Technology Laboratory; GAMA Aviation; Groveley Precision Engineering; Honeywell Aerospace; Ishida Europe; KDC Group; Loadpoint Bearings; Magellan Aerospace; REIDsteel; RNLI; Siemens Mobility Limited; Signature TechnicAir; Spherea UK; Sunseeker International Limited; Superior Seals and Ultra Electronics Energy.

The ‘Careers in Engineering’ event is the latest in a series of career-focused events.

BCP Council is planning to exceed all previous attendance figures Last year more than 570 people attended.

To register for free, please visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/careers-in-engineering-tickets-63555964601.