Children in the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly county boroughs were offered science lessons with a difference during National Science and Engineering Week thanks to a local electronics manufacturing company.

Newbridge-based Axiom Manufacturing Services teamed up with five schools in the local area, though a partnership with Careers Wales Gwent, to provide electronic workshops to help children aged between seven and 11 learn more about electronics and develop core industry-related skills.

Co-ordinated nationally by the British Association for the advancement of science, and supported by Careers Wales, this particular event involved around 150 primary school children from Ebbw Vale and Newbridge, visiting the contract electronics manufacturer during the week-long event.

The children had the opportunity to learn about how electronic components are used in industry through building electric circuits, testing conductor, and changing and varying currents. The pupils were also be given a full tour of the state-of-the-art facilities at the factory where they saw the components in action.

Sam Hicks, education business links coordinator at Careers Wales Gwent, said: "Axiom's electronic workshops are a fantastic way of introducing youngsters to science within industry and also provide a fun learning experience that is linked to the national curriculum.

"It's really encouraging to see a company engaging with schools in the local area in such a positive way as part of National Science Week. I'm sure the children will come away from the workshops with a renewed interest in science and electronics."

Axiom has worked in association with Careers Wales locally for over five years to help schools enhance the delivery of the curriculum.

Shaun Ashmead, managing director of Axiom, is keen to see young people develop work-related and industry skills.

He said: "As an employer we are keen to source local people and finding the right people with the right science and engineering skills is becoming increasingly difficult.

"We are only too happy to provide these workshops to the schools in our area, it is important we communicate to children as they may well be Axiom's next generation of employees! As a company we really value our links with the local community and would encourage other companies to get involved with any similar initiatives."

The event covers aspects of the National Curriculum Attainment Targets for Physical Procedures, Materials and their Properties. It allows the children to take a hands-on approach from a scientific perspective and gives the children a chance to explore and extend their knowledge of science in general.

Karen Jenkins, at Beaufort Hill Primary School in Ebbw Vale, one of the schools involved in the electronic workshops at Axiom, said: "The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for the children to develop key skills and learn more about electronics in a hands-on environment. Having the opportunity to see how science is used in the workplace is a key part of the National Curriculum so we are extremely grateful to Careers Wales Gwent and Axiom for providing us with this opportunity."