A PILOT scheme by car maker Vauxhall to explain career opportunities in the manufacturing industry has been so successful it is to be continued.

Undergraduates joining the company’s Ellesmere Port plant last year were challenged to provide pupils in schools and colleges across the North West with an insight into manufacturing.

The group designed a fun, educational activity day offering hands-on activities to raise awareness of the car industry, before students consider their future career options.

They visited their first school last December and have since involved more than 1,100 pupils in their activity events, which recently concluded at Tarporley High School.

Feedback shows that 91% of those who took part now see manufacturing and its prospects in a more positive light, and one student said: “I liked it because I learnt more about the automotive industry, and it may give me a choice in later life”.

The response from teachers has also been encouraging, as one career guidance teacher said: “Not only have they gained a greater awareness of the broad range of opportunities in the automotive manufacturing sector, they have also learned about the value of manufacturing to the UK economy and the level of planning required.”

Due to the success of the project, undergraduates joining Vauxhall during 2011/2012 will continue to provide schools with the opportunity to experience the manufacturing activity day scheme.