PUPILS at Croft Primary School were visited by a leading rail consultancy and engineering firm.

SLC Rail is used to consult with Transport for Greater Manchester on the county's rail network.

The firm says it visited 'to ignite the children’s curiosity about civil engineering and in particular rail projects.'

Warrington Guardian: The children were fully engaged with presentations and workshops throughout the dayThe children were fully engaged with presentations and workshops throughout the day (Image: SLC Rail)

Pupils from years 2, 5 and 6 were involved in the interactive sessions conducted by SLC Rail, which were led by Thomas Coon, senior project manager, and Sam Uren, company director.

SLC Rail says that 'the interactive sessions encouraged the children to think differently about the buildings and structures surrounding them and how civil engineering affects their lives on a daily basis.'

Thomas said: “It was truly fantastic to witness the enthusiasm and innovative ideas displayed by the children.

"We find STEM activities immensely rewarding, and it’s important to inspire our future engineers by showcasing the endless possibilities that a career in engineering can offer.”

One aspect of the day involved the firm discussing its plans for a new station in Golborne, just three miles away from Croft, with the schoolchildren.

The older pupils were even asked to design their own version of how the station could look, with one student suggesting that an on-site Gucci store be added.

Company director Sam added: “It was fabulous to see the levels of engagement and enthusiasm expressed when the children were designing their own stations.

"The opportunity for recognition of skills beyond academia is important with most of the activities focusing on communication and creativity. 

"Having a decidedly mixed group was encouraging too – we recognise that diversity in engineering is crucial to solving the complex problems we manage and as women currently constitute only 16.5 per cent of the engineering workforce, it was great to see so many girls enthusiastic about the task.”

Anne Mains, headteacher at Croft Primary School, said:  “We were so lucky to have a visit from SLC Rail. 

"It is important for children to know what opportunities are available for them. 

"Having such positive role models explaining civil engineering to them will hopefully open up their minds to an engineering career in the future.”