TWO teenage girls are forging ahead with their engineering dreams after securing a prestigious national scholarship.

Darlington’s Carmel College student Katie Sisk and former student Melissa Bates were awarded the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship at a glittering ceremony in London.

The scholarships support young people who have the potential to be future leaders in the engineering and technical design industries.

The Darlington girls had to sit a two-hour exam and pass an interview at Sheffield University to secure their scholarships.

Melissa left Carmel to attend RAF Welbeck College in Leicestershire whereas Katie moved to the college from Yarm School to study A Levels in physics, chemistry, maths and product design.

She is being sponsored by Cummins Engines and is determined to use her scholarship to reach the top is what is a traditionally male-dominated industry.

She said: “It is going to be tough but I would love to study at one of the Russell Group of universities.

“I am really enjoying studying at Carmel and the people at Cummins are lovely and so supportive.”

Carmel College curriculum leader Mark Holt said: “Women are in the minority in engineering because the perception is that it is heavy, dirty work, which isn’t the case as a lot is now IT-based.

“Katie and Melissa did exceptionally well to secure the scholarships and I am sure they will both make the most of the opportunities this provides.”