TECHNICAL engineering students have been inspired to use their skills to aid the town's bus network after a visit to the headquarters of Warrington's Own Buses.

The company, previously known as Network Warrington, gave students from Warrington's University Technical College (UTC) a tour of the engineering facilities and a question and answer session to explore the skills required for a career within the specialist area.

The year 10 group from the Dallam Lane college met with the company's current apprentice to understand the benefits of work-based learning in the engineering sector and pursuing a career in the industry.

Ben Wakerley, managing director of Warrington's Own Buses, said: "Warrington's Own Buses is very pleased to be working with UTC to show how the skills they are learning are put into practice in industry.

"There is always a demand for skilled workers, including apprentices, to join Warrington's Own Buses to keep our fleet on the road. We need more aspiring engineers to come through."

UTC Warrington specialises in engineering, equipping its students with the technical skills and knowledge for future careers within the specialist area, supporting students in applying for apprenticeships and university.

The college will also launch a new BTEC civil engineering course for its sixth form students from September.

Rich Harris, responsible for employer engagement at UTC Warrington, said: "The addition of Warrington's Own Buses as one of our employer partners is crucial. The students' skills developed in our £1 million engineering facility are key to local businesses, particularly when there is a demand for skilled engineers to work in growing organisations.

"The new civil engineering course will tie in nicely with the operations of a local bus company and, as a result, enhance the CVs of our students."