Schoolchildren with a passion for engineering visited two Cumbrian manufacturers to see how it’s done first-hand.

Years 10 and 11 pupils from Nelson Thomlinson School (NTS), in Wigton, visited Innovia Films and CCL Secure, both also based in Wigton.

The pupils are currently studying engineering with specific interests in manufacturing and health and safety in the workplace.

The visit was coordinated by Jack Proudlock, technical services and applications development representative at Innovia Films, who said: “Students were able to see the impact of former Nelson Thomlinson School students have had across the whole of the business over many years.

“Hopefully, they were able to see how they too could have a career in a global business right here in Wigton.”

The students were put into four groups before being escorted through Innovia, seeing their ‘bubble’ process, then the coating, metallising, and slitting departments.

Then they went to CCL Secure to see various departments and ended with a Q&A session.

Gary Frizell, engineering and sustainability manager at CCL Secure, said: “It is great that we have this ongoing collaboration with our community and the school.

“This visit gave the engineering students a taste of manufacturing in a working factory environment outside of the classroom.

“Many students expressed their desire to have a career in engineering, I am sure the visits to Innovia Films and CCL Secure inspired them further.
“Where else, on the doorstep of your school, can you witness raw materials manufactured into a base polypropylene film and then into a banknote all on the same site?”

Sam Smith, acting head of technology at NTS, said: “Witnessing the inner workings of the real world factory is always a beneficial experience.

“I have received lots of positive feedback from the pupils, and I have no doubt that it has motivated some to contemplate their future career prospects.”

READ MORE: Elderly couple raises concerns over rising utility costs at housing association