Following a successful funding bid last year, Dacorum Borough Council is encouraging young people to take up engineering as a career by putting on courses in the area's schools. 

As part of a £10,000 grant, a series of hands-on courses focussing on science, technology, engineering and maths, are now running at six of Dacorum's secondary schools. 

Lisa Devayya, the council's economic development officer, who applied for the funding said: "We know there is a huge shortage of engineers nationally. Skills and employability have a direct impact on an individual's life chances and my role is all about increasing those chances and improving the local economy. 

"This course is the ideal way to inspire young people to consider engineering as a potential career. Having a trained workforce in place can help to ensure local bsuiness can flourish. These courses will enthuse, educate and inspire young people about the excitement and dynamism of engineering."

Dacorum Borough Council is also helping create a trained workforce and increase employment chances by offering businesses a grant of £1,200 if they employ an apprentice aged 16-24 and it is their first apprentice in a 12 month period. Contact Lisa.devayya@dacorum.gov.uk for more information.