STUDENTS worked with industry ambassadors to take on a marine-based trading challenge.

Young people from Walney School, St Bernard's Catholic High School and Furness Academy worked with mentors from BAE Systems and GSK Ulverston on a science, technology, engineering and maths challenge.

The first heat of Furness Champion-Ships was held on National Women Engineering Day at Walney School yesterday.

The event is run by IMechE with Barrow Engineering Project and STEM ambassadors from BAE Systems Submarines and GSK Ulverston.

The trading game gets students to think about how a cargo shipping company may operate.

The groups start with an amount of capital which is used to buy commodities.

The commodities, such as oil and sugar, are transported across a large pool of water on a motorised model boat which the students build by hand. The teams have to sell the cargo for profit.

The event was the chance for students to work with ambassadors, including females who work in science and engineering-related industries.

Alex Baker, of Year 10 at Furness Academy, is interested in product design and sciences at school.

The 14-year-old said: "It's been a good challenge. We had good ideas for the boat, bringing it to life was a lot harder.

"It's inspiring to work with the ambassadors."

Dana Henderson, 19, an electrical designer at BAE Systems, said: "It's important to engage with and inspire young women about engineering.

"There have been a lot of misconceptions about the roles that women play in engineering. It is a challenging and rewarding career."

Steph Dunn, 14, of Year 10 at St Bernard's, said: "It was a difficult challenge.

"It was cool to meet Dana and work with her. Engineering looks like a good career."

Kristina Hurley, 25, an operational quality officer at GSK Ulverston, said: "It's very important to inspire girls. Women have a lot more opportunities now in science and engineering. But it can be confusing for young people making the decision.

"These events really point people in the right direction."

Beth Wood, 14, of Year Nine at Walney School, said: "I like science at school. It's good to meet women who work in science and engineering because sometimes it's seen as a man's job."