A STUDENT has started the new year as a trainee floor fitter.

Teenager Robert Bell was disappointed when he left school and found joinery courses in the area were full.

But the youngster has got off to a great start this year with Wilson Carpets and Flooring Specialists.

The 17-year-old is Redcar and Cleveland College's first student to find a job through the entry to employment (e2e) scheme.

Robert left school after his GCSEs but found joinery courses were over-subscribed.

The college provided him with a six-week assessment period, which allowed him to access career advice and guidance.

It then set up an interview with the firm, which is based close to his home in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton.

The business is run by Lawrie Wilson and his son Simon.

Since September, the college has been providing the e2e scheme, which is a national learning programme piloted by the Learning and Skills Council to help 16 to 18-year-olds find work.