To mark International Women in Engineering Day last month, Network Rail invited pupils from local High Schools to see first-hand the bridge construction work taking place at Kerse Road in Stirling (www.networkrail.co.uk).

Fourth- and fifth-year students from Wallace, Stirling and St Modan’s High Schools participated in the event, which aims to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the career opportunities available in the industry.

Through presentations, discussions and practical activities, led by female staff from Network Rail and contractor Morgan Sindall, the students were given an insight into the demolition and reconstruction work at Kerse Road, the diverse engineering disciplines involved and the different routes available for young women entering the industry.

They were also challenged to test their skills in a practical exercise by building a bridge from everyday objects.

Mhairi Mackenzie, Network Rail’s senior sponsor for the Kerse Road bridge project, said: “For any modern work-place or profession to thrive, having a diverse workforce is crucial, as this can only help to further drive creativity and innovation.

"Our message to students is that young women have a valuable contribution to make to our industry, and there are no barriers to stop them from achieving their ambitions.

“We were greatly encouraged by the engagement with — and feedback from — the students, and I am confident that several of Network Rail’s engineers of the future will have started to consider this as a career, having taken part in our workshop.”

The work at Kerse Road bridge is part of a wider programme of activity on the Stirling line, ahead of the electrification of the route as part of a Scottish government-funded investment being delivered by Network Rail.

The new structure will allow a third lane to be added in the future to meet Stirling’s growing traffic needs.