School teaches engineers Chinese

Pupils and engineers will be taught to speak Mandarin

About 30 engineers at a Glasgow-based firm are going back to the classroom in a bid to improve their skills.

But rather than heading to the science lab the Clyde Union employees are more likely to be found in the language lab as they are learning to speak Mandarin.

It is part of a partnership between the firm and Our Lady's High School in Cumbernauld.

Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop is opening a Chinese hub to be used by pupils and the wider community.

The North Lanarkshire Confucius Classroom will provide a central learning point for Chinese culture and language and is the sixth of eight hubs being opened across Scotland.

Pupils will have access to language courses, take part in Chinese cookery lessons, and learn about the country's history.

As part of the partnership with Clyde Union - part of the Clyde Blowers group - a Chinese assistant from the school will teach about 30 engineers Mandarin.

Learning Mandarin from the Chinese assistant at Our Lady's has given our staff a good foundation in preparation for working in China Dr Bill Gerrard Clyde Union

In return the engineering firm, which makes pumps for the Chinese market, will provide pupils with business training and an insight into the company's work.

Dr Bill Gerrard, head of Clyde Union learning academy, said: "Clyde Union is in the process of setting up a joint venture in China.

"Learning Mandarin from the Chinese assistant at Our Lady's has given our staff a good foundation in preparation for working in China.

"We look forward to continuing and developing the partnership with Our Lady's High School."

Christine Pollock, executive director of learning and leisure services at North Lanarkshire Council, said: "This initiative provides marvellous opportunities for the community of North Lanarkshire and I expect that these links with China will continue to develop and strengthen over the years."

At the official opening the Education Secretary is also expected to make an announcement about a summer visit to China for a group of Scottish school pupils.