The number of jobs in the industrial sector across the European Union (EU) could grow as industrial new orders rise.

Latest data from the bloc's statistical office shows a 1.1 per cent rise in volumes during February 2010 following a 0.3 per cent climb in January.

Additionally, Eurostat figures show the eurozone recovered from a 1.6 per cent fall in the index during January, with growth of 1.5 per cent the following month.

Improvements in the manufacturing sector could drive up the number of engineering jobs in Europe available, with new business up in the euro area by 12.2 per cent year-on-year and 12.7 per cent higher across the 27 EU member states.

Countries that saw a particularly high increase in new orders were Hungary, with growth of 9.3 per cent and Slovenia, which saw them rise 6.3 per cent.

A new fund worth €35 million is being established by the European Commission to provide dedicated support to companies in the region that are addressing challenges posed by climate change and green issues through the 2010 Competitiveness and Innovation Program.