A GROUNDBREAKING initiative to promote electronics to young people comes to two schools in the York district next week.

In a bid to plug the skills gap for the industry, a high tech Electronics Yorkshire mobile training unit will spend a day at Easingwold School on Thursday, and at Canon Lee School, York, on Friday.

The vehicles are normally used as travelling trainers, so electronics companies can receive tuition on their doorsteps.

Now, they have been adapted literally to create a buzz among the young. It follows the successful launch of the state-of-the-art mobile training unit last year, as part of the Electronics Yorkshire's Educational Outreach Programme.

The initiative, which is backed by Yorkshire Forward and the Learning And Skills Council, is a good way to ensure that they have a taste of what the electronics industry has to offer.

Pupils will participate in practical projects, observe demonstrations and learn about electronics first-hand from specialist tutors. They will be encouraged to do delicate soldering on printed circuit boards and watch demonstrations of X-ray spectrometers detecting harmful substances in electronic components like mercury, chromium and lead.

As part of the dedicated educational programme,the mobile training unit is visiting other schools and educational establishments throughout the region, complementing the science and work-related aspects of the National Curriculum.

The unit, which is totally self-sufficient, and carefully planned, includes the latest in electronics training equipment allowing it to teach groups of up to ten students.

Peter Burnley, training and technology centre manager at Electronics Yorkshire, said: We look forward to this visit to York district schools to introduce young people to the exciting world of electronics. I believe it is vital to develop an awareness in engineering at an early age.' Electronics Yorkshire, is a not-for-profit organisation funded by Yorkshire Forward and the Learning and Skills Council. Educational establishments seeking further information on booking the vehicle should phone Bronwen Ella on 0113 274 4270.