STUDENTS and schoolchildren are gaining valuable work experience on the iconic new £600 million bridge this summer.

Six engineering undergraduates from various universities will be working on the Mersey Gateway project site after being selected by Kier, one of the Merseylink project's main construction partners.

Melissa Day, Merseylink human resources advisor, said: “Students will be working in a variety of job roles.

"We want to support young talent. We need a lot more engineers in the industry so by giving these students the opportunity to work on the Mersey Gateway we will be providing them with vital skills and experience.”

Peter Stoba, 22, a civil engineering student at Liverpool John Moores University has started his second summer work experience placement with the team.

"The work on the Mersey Gateway bridge complements my degree really well and is giving me a good practical insight into the theory I'm learning at university," he said.

"I'm working in a site engineer role and am supporting the team on a variety of tasks including risk assessment and control of permits.

“Once I finish my course next year I will definitely be applying to join the graduate programme."

Twelve year 10 students from schools including Sandymoor, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College, Wade Deacon and The Heath are also gaining practical skills.

Pupils are learning about the civil engineering techniques used for the main bridge and road construction as well as materials, communications and the environmental side of the project.

Neil Wilcock, employment and skills coordinator for Merseylink, said: "We're delighted to host these placements which offer a real insight into the science and engineering behind Halton's new bridge.

"I'd like to think that these young people will be inspired by their time with us and that their experience may help them decide on their future career paths."