The President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has spent time helping North East youngsters learn about bridge building and careers in construction.
Richard Coackley visited Gosforth Central Middle School, Newcastle upon Tyne, during his two day visit to the region.
As part of the visit, he joined in with a bridge building education activity, in which teams of pupils worked together to build a 14m long cable stayed bridge using a special kit and then walked across it to show the strength of the construction.
Mr Coackley said: “Looking to the next generation of engineers - it is vital that we emphasise the ability of our profession to change the world. Inspiring young people to look at engineering as the ‘career of choice’ and harnessing the skills and talent of our engineers and future engineers is important if we are to defend our great legacy as an engineering nation.
“Working with young people on activities as we have today, generates a real enthusiasm for learning and hopefully will help to attract the next generation of great engineers – the Stephenson’s and Brunel’s of the future - to steer us through the years ahead.”
Nigel Hearn, teacher in Science, Design and Technology at Gosforth Central Middle School said "As a school, GCMS encourages a better understanding of engineering and its importance in society. We are very pleased to be part of Mr Coackley's visit to the North East."