Powys is facing a manufacturing and engineering skills shortage – but businesses are putting together an action plan to inspire the next generation of workers.

Businesses joined forces to demonstrate the opportunities available locally with a series of workshops at Llanidloes High School.

They promoted career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), which employs more than 5,000 in Powys.

Headteacher Dan Owen said: “It’s essential that we invest in the skills and training so that Wales can meet this demand – and encouraging more female pupils in particular to consider science will be critical to our success.

“To recruit the numbers needed to fulfil the expected demand for roles in 2023 and support the industrial strategy, more girls will need to study science and engineering subjects at school, further educations and higher education.”

The two-day event of inspiring, challenging and engaging STEM activities by businesses including EvaBuild, Tarian Technology and Myrick Training was arranged by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group and supported by Powys County Council.

Students took part by programming Lego robots and using KNex to design and build racing cars. While civil engineering was demonstrated with a bridge that was provided by the Construction Industry Training Board. Pupils also got to grasp with green energy technology by constructing a solar-powered car.

“Engaging young people at an early age and providing an insight into the industry locally and the opportunities is vital to addressing the skills needs of local engineering and manufacturing companies,” said Ceri Stephens of Mid Wales Manufacturing Group.

“Manufacturing and Engineering in Powys employs over 5,000 people, and the industry is facing a skills shortage so activities like this are vital to ensure the future of the sector in our region.”

“Our thanks to Llanidloes High School all the volunteers who came together to ensure that young people in the area were able to take part in this day and understand the opportunities that are available to them. ”