OPPORTUNITIES for women in engineering will be showcased at a Keighley event next week.

The town's college is working with several companies to encourage young women to consider the career path, more traditionally associated with men.

A wide range of roles is on offer within the sector, from product design to technical sales.

And apprentices are supported to higher-level qualifications, such as HNC or a degree.

Chris Stott, head of business engagement at Keighley College, said: "Modern engineering largely takes place in a clean environment and engineers are required to have a high level of technical knowledge and excellent problem-solving skills.

"Everything we use in our everyday lives is engineered by someone, and therefore there is a huge diversity of industries that engineers can be involved in – locally we are strong in aerospace, medical engineering, automotive, oil, telecommunications, water, gas and the food and drink industry.

"Engineering in the Aire Valley is doing incredibly well.

"Many local employers have vacancies for apprentices and all are keen to see more young women coming into engineering to broaden the talent pool."

The Women in Engineering Day – on Tuesday (Feb 27) – is being hosted by Gesipa, in Dalton Lane.

Other companies supporting the event include Keighley Laboratories and DePuy Synthes Medical Engineering.

Visitors will have the chance to talk to female engineers about their roles and experiences, and two women managing directors will be on hand to answer questions.

The event starts at 2pm, with schools invited to send pupils for an engineering experience.

They will work with DePuy Synthes at an interactive workshop, meet the engineers and tour the factory.

Between 4pm and 6pm, parents and young people can attend an informal presentation and talk to female representatives from across the engineering sector.

"This really is a unique chance to find out more about an amazing – but little known – career opportunity," added Mr Stott.

To book a place, contact the college's apprenticeship team on apprenticeships@keighleycollege.ac.uk or 01535 685035.