The engineering sector is to get a helping hand from the University of Bradford.

The institution is urging sixth-form students looking to gain hands-on experience in the industry to apply for its Headstart residential course.

The course, which kicks off this summer, has 40 places offering students in Year 12 the chance of a real taste of life as an engineering undergraduate.

Students will take part in a host of activities including team-building exercises and industry visits.

They will work on a variety of hands-on design and build projects.

Students, who will live at the University's halls of residence, will also get the chance to meet current students from the School of Engineering, Design & Technology, as well as academic staff.

Helen Louise Cavill, a previous student on the course, said: "I really enjoyed the experience and felt I learnt a lot - both about engineering and university life as a whole.

"The course has reassured me that mechanical engineering is definitely the right career for me."

Joanne Crowther, the course organiser, added: "We put a strong emphasis on both learning and fun at Bradford and do our best to create a programme of activities which is both informative and enjoyable.

"From the feedback we receive, the students certainly seem to enjoy their time with us and have made many friends who they keep in touch with.

"It is particularly pleasing when we see familiar faces from the Headstart course at our open days applying for places on our engineering courses."

This year's course starts on July 13 and lasts until July 16.

For further information contact Joanne Crowther (01274) 233871 or e-mail j.crowther@bradford.ac.uk.