IT was hard hats and high-visibility vests galore as pupils at Kilbowie Primary school took on a crash course in engineering.

Youngsters met with engineers who talked them through the profession before letting the pupils try their hand at some structural work.

A total of 48 kids took part in the Bridges to Schools programme, run by ICE, an initiative which aims at encouraging young people into the line of work, where they built a 12ft long bridge.

Thanks to hosts Kilbowie another five schools – Gavinburn, Goldenhill, Carleith, Edinbarnet and Whitecrook – took part.

Although In partnership with parents, some of whom are engineers, the school was able to hosts the event due to its suitable facilities but they decided youngsters at other schools shouldn’t miss out so they invited neighbouring primary 7 pupils from all schools in the Clydebank High school region to join in.

Teacher Julie Cameron said: “Some schools couldn’t accommodate the workshop because the bridge is so big so we decided to invite them along.”

The real test was once the bridge was completed which child would be brave enough to walk along the finished product, one engineer told the class.

But all of the pupils and three of teachers were keen to cross the pathway a few inches off the ground – and some staff even incorporated the popular “dab” dance move on their way across the structure.

Ms Cameron added: “We’ve had a really good response.

“There’s a big push in West Dunbartonshire, and everywhere really, to encourage younger people into careers in engineering or science.

“There’s also a push for more girls to get involved so it has been really good that a lot of the engineers who came in to help have been women.”