SIXTH form students have gone to the aid of Gwent businesses in a three-day engineering workshop at the University of Wales, Newport.

Their agile minds were engaged in building devices to detect faults in DVDs, improving materials handling and testing the strength of welds.

The AS level students were taking part in the Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW) which provides talented youngsters with hands-on experience of engineering with local companies.

By working in teams to solve specific problems, the students discover the inside track on engineering careers.

Norman David, regional director of EESW, said: "The students are all working on real-life projects and many of the ideas get taken up by the companies.

"They certainly found it a stimulating exercise and hopefully it will help them to think about a career in engineering.

"We're grateful to the academic and technical staff at Newport's University for directing the students and providing excellent facilities at the school of computing and engineering."

Pupils from Caerleon Comprehensive School undertook vital work aimed at testing the strength of welds on girders for Chepstow bridge-building company Fairfield Mabey.

Technology teacher John Quarterman said: "This job was previously done by hitting the welds with a big hammer: our students have come up with a much more scientific approach."

Sixteen-year-old Caerleon pupil Amy Loder found the workshops challenging and enjoyable. "It's been a great way to find out about team-building and problem-solving," she said.

A team from Croesyceiliog Comprehensive devised a machine which uses reflected light to detect imperfections on the surface of DVDs and CDs for the company Technicolour.

Pupil James Coles said: "The workshops have been great and we've really enjoyed designing and making this machine."

Rougement School students created a platform for reducing manual labour and health hazards in the transfer of materials for Fulleon who make alarm systems.

Another team from Rougemont worked on standardising friction on adjustable headrest mechanism for aircraft seats.