A STUDENT has gone back to school in an effort to encourage youngsters to experience college life.

Matthew Nicholson, a former pupil of Rye Hills School, is studying for a plumbing apprenticeship at Redcar and Cleveland College.

He is also working at local electrical firm AEP.

Year ten and 11 pupils attended a careers day at Rye Hills School and had the chance to discuss college life with Mr Nicholson as part of the government's Aim Higher initiative.

The college has now recruited ten other ambassadors to work with schools and attend open events.

Mr Nicholson said: "The good thing about studying at college is that it gives you the chance to gain valuable work experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

"Hopefully, my time at AEP will make it easier for me to get a full time job, as many employers look favourably on people who have gained hands-on commercial experience."