COMPUTER-aided design for a toy manufacturer and planning and assembling an office were among problem solving tasks facing more than 200 students from Thanet and Dover.

The 15 and 16 year olds from 11 schools took part in Click On technology at Manston airport, an event that involved 20 companies, organised by the East Kent Education Business Partnership (EKEBP). The aim was to broaden pupils' knowledge about the world of work and learn how technology skills play an increasingly important role in any company.

Anne McNulty, EKEBP manager, said: "Many of the businesses taking part are involved with engineering and we wanted students to realise that the oily rag and spanner image of that industry has largely been replaced by technology.

"It was a wonderful opportunity for the youngsters and the companies to find out about each other with career options in mind," she said.

Alastair Robertson, airport director, was encouraged by the range of engineering skills involved during the day. He said: "As an expanding airport we will have many opportunities for all types of engineers. The future for engineering in Thanet is very bright."