YOUNG people are being urged to venture into the world of engineering as part of a campaign being backed by Banbury MP Victoria Prentis.

The member of parliament for the north of the county is calling on more young people to get involved in the industry and help tackle a major skills gap.

Mrs Prentis has pledged to push for more pupils to enquire into the various courses available for engineering roles and has pledged to work with schools in the area to encourage the move.

She has pledged to work with both Bicester Technology Studio and Banbury Space Studio which both have a different approach to learning, with curriculums heavily based on engineering and technology.

Mrs Prentis said: “In North Oxfordshire we are particularly lucky to have two schools dedicated to engineering and technology.

“They provide a unique opportunity for young people in the area.”

The plea for more people to consider the engineering industry comes from a government campaign called The Year of Engineering which was launched last month in Westminster.

More than 30 MPs, including Mrs Prentis, joined a Parliamentary reception to mark the publication of the Institution for Engineering and Technology’s annual skills survey report, which looks at the skills challenges faced by engineering and technology employers in the UK.

It found there to be an estimated shortfall of 20,000 engineering graduates a year across the UK.

Half of companies in the sector say the shortage is having a significant impact on productivity and growth.

The campaign hopes to show the creativity and innovation of engineering careers and widen the pool of young people who would consider the profession.

More than 1,000 partners have signed up to support the Year of Engineering, including Siemens, the Science Museum Group, Ocado, Usborne, BAE Systems and Crossrail and there is a calendar of visits planned for school visits, exhibitions and open door events.

Mrs Prentis added: “I am looking forward to doing what I can to work with both pupils and businesses over the coming months as part of the Year of Engineering.

It is important that we encourage and inspire young people to turn to the engineering sector as we move forward and continue to grow as a country.”