Chance to give pupils working experience

Kidderminster teenagers are being offered work placements and sessions to learn trade skills which may help them to land a job after leaving school.

The Preparation for Life and Learning programme lets 14 and 15-year-olds visit firms and colleges, including Kidderminster College, and take up vocational qualifications such as building and car mechanics.

The county council is running a pilot programme with funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to help pupils get work experience two days a week in the final two years at school.

Bosses say they can also learn skills which may lead to work. They include motor vehicle maintenance, horticulture, food preparation, ecology and conservation.

Pupils gain units towards National Open College Network Qualifications called Step-Up programmes.

Council diverse curriculum manager for 14 to 19-year-olds Kim Wattie said it would give a chance to achieve qualifications in a diverse and motivating way.

"We are ahead of the game nationally in providing appropriate learning opportunities for our young people, including those for whom the traditional GCSE curriculum is not meeting their needs."