AN engineering firm has launched a week-long drive at a Glasgow university to get school pupils interested in the industry.

Motherwell Bridge, working with Strathclyde University's engineering department and postgraduate students, has entered into a two-year agreement that will see fourth and fifth-year pupils spend a week at the university.

They will learn more about engineering and it is hoped to encourage more young people to consider it as a career.

This year 35 fourth and fifth-year pupils have been given the chance to work alongside postgraduate students in electrical, mechanical and design engineering.

As part of a scheme called Engineering Challenge, they were asked to produce and present a short proposal on how Scotland could meet its future energy needs using conventional and renewable energy sources.

Hugh Hayes, chairman of Motherwell Bridge, said: "Scotland has produced some of the world's most famous and important engineers and we want to ensure that, as a country, we maintain this proud tradition.

"That is why initiatives such as this are so important.

"We need to take every opportunity to ensure we have a steady stream of young engineers coming up through the ranks.

"This initiative will assist pupils in developing the kind of skills that are in great demand throughout the UK.

"Many young people are not aware of the full range of career opportunities within the sector, but we hope that by sponsoring the course we will be able to inspire the next generation of engineers."

The first intake of youngsters are from Braidhurst High (Motherwell), Bellshill Academy, Coltness High and Duncanrigg High (East Kilbride), all near the firm's Lanarkshire base.

The arrangement with Strathclyde University could be the first of a number of initiatives involving the firm, which employs more than 400 people.

Christine Percival, of the University of Strathclyde, said: "It is essential universities work hand in hand with professions and industry to encourage young people to be motivated to become the graduates of tomorrow.

"I am delighted Motherwell Bridge has demonstrated its commitment by providing scholarships and by actively taking a leading role."