GIRLS are being encouraged to follow careers in engineering thanks to a new partnership between Sholing Technology College and VT Shipbuilding.

education minister Ivan Lewis MP officially launched the scheme at VT's shipbuilding facilities at Portsmouth Naval Base. The VT Young Graduate Scheme will enable students to complete a two-year course to supplement their education in science and technology.

Pupils must commit to maintain a high level of academic success in science, technology and maths while participating in more vocational training. Dr Francis Paonessa, VT's technical director and a Sholing governor, said links between the shipbuilder and the school had proven to be successful over the last 18 months.

"We are helping to change the perceptions of engineering as a career for young women and boost awareness of vocational training," he said.