STUDENTS from a Thornbury secondary school have been set the challenge of designing a new way to travel to school by Filton-based aerospace giant Airbus.

Pupils between the ages of 11 and 14 from the school joined more than 70 girls at an event which is part of the Airbus Industrial Cadets programme.

The aim of the scheme is to get more female students into the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries.

During the 10 week project, cadets will be mentored by female Airbus engineers, learning first-hand the relationship between engineering and transport.

The project requires cadets to build models of their chosen sustainable transport design. They will also produce a written report with an interactive exhibit stand that will showcase their ideas and findings. This will be presented to a selected panel of Airbus judges on an Assessment Day in June.

By completing the project, the cadets will develop practical skills in communication, team-work and project management; important attributes for young people in the workplace, in particular careers in STEM.

Cadets will graduate at a bronze level, giving them the opportunity to get work experience with Airbus in the future.

This Industrial Cadets programme - endorsed the Engineering Development Trust- is designed to raise aspirations of young people in the UK and to encourage young students to consider a career in STEM industry by working with leading professionals.

Mark Stewart, human resources director and general manager for Airbus in the UK, said:

“It is important for Airbus to organise and run initiatives like this as they play such an integral role to promote gender diversity within the STEM subjects.

“This is a great opportunity for female cadets to see the exciting side of engineering and aerospace in particular.

“Hopefully it encourages more girls to consider taking STEM subjects at school and then to ultimately consider a career in aerospace."

Rachel Beddoes, a teacher at Castle School said: “Cadets can apply the skills they’ve learnt from other subjects and transfer them to this project and also the workplace in the future.

“This is a great way of breaking down the gender stereotypes as it allows girls to explore STEM in a comfortable environment and become more and more confident with their subject interests.”