A MAJOR competition to encourage school pupils into manufacturing and dispel the idea of working in “dark satanic mills” has been launched.

The Make It in Manufacturing campaign aims to attract talented young people into industry and also keep them in East Lancashire.

The Manufacturing Institute’s campaign manager Nicola Eagleton-Crowther said: “Gone are the days of dark satanic mills and endless hours spent sticking widgets together on production lines.

“Today manufacturers struggle to recruit bright school leavers with the right skills and attitudes. Many youngsters are unaware of the exciting opportunities that a career in industry can offer but our Make It in Manufacturing campaign is changing all that.

“Manufacturing is a fantastic career for young people – where there are great opportunities to travel the world, meet interesting people and do a varied job where no day is the same.”

At a heat in East Lancashire bosses from Burnley-based engineering firm Aircelle judged youngsters from schools across the region.

Teenagers from Ribblesdale High School, Clitheroe, scooped the top prize by designing, building and test-flying model aircraft for a choice of celebrity customers.

They then pitched their ideas to a panel of investors – ‘Dragons’ made up of Aircelle’s senior managers.

The students were judged on their understanding of the brief and the quality and flying ability of their model, along with their abilities to market and sell the product across the globe.

This was the third of seven North West heats, with three teams of finalists from each heat invited to compete in a grand regional final later this year.

Runners-up were Colne Primet High School, Colne, and Norden High School, Rishton.

Andrew White, managing director of Aircelle Ltd, said: “We were delighted to support the Make It Enterprising Schools Challenge.

"It really tested the sorts of enterprising attitudes and skills employers like us are looking for.

“We are growing as a business and welcome an initiative such as this which is crucial in ensuring a constant supply of new business talent – and if the work these youngsters produced is any guide, then the future of manufacturing is in safe hands.”