School pupils in Glasgow have made their first steps towards becoming engineers after graduating from a course designed to encourage careers in the industry.

The ‘Get into Engineering’ scheme – run in collaboration between Robertson Group, Clyde Gateway and University of West of Scotland – saw ten pupils engage in practical projects across a three-month period.

Five pupils from St Mungo’s Academy in Glasgow and five from Trinity High School in Rutherglen took part in an awards ceremony earlier this month, with Robertson announcing at the event that they had engaged with 12,000 youths throughout 2015.

Gemma Nicoll, group community development manager, Robertson Group, said: “We have worked with thousands of children and young people this year, with a great number of them being interested in a career in construction.

“From class room engagement to workshops and site visits, everything we do is designed to encourage future employment in the industry. The Get Into Engineering scheme has been a key activity for us, and we are so pleased that all the pupils spoke so highly of their experience.”

As part of the programme, the pupils have been working with Robertson Civil Engineering on the development of the Cuningar Loop Bridge project.

Once in place, the new Glasgow landmark will connect the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village in Glasgow’s East End to a new community green space. The bridge is scheduled to open in early summer 2016.

Natalie Phillips, education, business & community growth project manager with Clyde Gateway, said: “Supporting local pupils into careers and further or higher education is one of the key aims of Clyde Gateway and our Get Into Engineering Programme over the past three years has been a huge success in helping to achieve this.

“Robertson has become one of our key partners in the delivery of this innovative programme and there is no question that the unique learning opportunities they provide for pupils are ideal. Not only are they enjoyable, interesting and informative but they also give everyone involved the perfect introduction to what is involved in engineering and construction.”

Dr Stuart Tennant of University of the West of Scotland’s School of Engineering and Computing said: “We are delighted to be actively involved in the Get into Engineering initiative which gives high school pupils the opportunity to experience different areas of the industry and also get a feel for university life.”