Feeder schools get the chance to Engineer their futures

The project was launched last week when around 100 pupils took part in a range of fun activities at the South Killingholme refinery. A second visit by a further 100 schoolchildren will take place this Thursday and the event will be repeated annually.

Nina Stobart, from ConocoPhillips, said: "We've gone into secondary schools before but we've never had a visit from children of this age group. By secondary school, a lot of the children have decided what they are going to study and what they would like to do. We are engaging with children of a younger age to get them excited about Engineering. All the activities are based around Engineering, Maths, Science and Technology, but the kids don't know that because it's fun. Hopefully in 15 years time some of the kids will be back here as graduate engineers working at the refinery."

Children spent the day attempting a series of challenges under the guidance of Oasis Academy teachers and ConocoPhillips staff. Split into teams they were tasked with constructing a tower out of straws and paper clips, making a rocket on wheels and distilling ink in the laboratories.

Tommy-Joe Taylor, 10, from Killingholme Primary School, said: "I enjoyed making the tower. We had an hour to do it and we had to make it as high as possible and as strong as possible. It's been brilliant, and I would like to work in Engineering."

Paul Fairlie, Assistant Principal at Oasis Academy: Immingham, which specialises in Engineering, said: "We wanted to put on an event for primary school children so that if and when they come to the Academy they will have a better grasp of Engineering. The trade still has something of a 'grease monkey" image, but it's a career that is well paid and has good prospects. There are some phenomenal job opportunities out there, and the industries on the South Bank are so important to the local economy."