BUDDING engineers got an insight into the industry thanks to one of the region’s leading petrochemicals companies.

First and second year A-level students at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, visited Sabic UK, in Teesside, to learn more about the company and how to break into the industry.

The firm is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of chemicals, fertilisers and plastics.

During the tour of its 2,000 acre site, the students, who are on the college’s future engineers scheme, also learnt how chemicals are transported safely and how engineers meet health and safety regulations.

Student Matthew Brown said: “The trip was very insightful – it gave me a good idea of what actually happens on such a large scale and the excellent prospects that are available to engineers.”

Liz Bryan, the college’s future engineers coordinator said: “This was an excellent visit. It highlighted to the students what is happening regarding engineering in the North-East, and gave first-hand knowledge of how an international chemical company operates as well as the employment opportunities both as a graduate or as a higher apprentice.

“As a result of the visit, we have been offered a summer placement for one of our prospective engineers.”

For more information about the course, call 01325-461315.