The TTE Schools Programme, launched as a pilot scheme in 1997, has become so popular in just three years that currently year 10 and 11 pupils from six Teesside schools are involved.

The schools taking part are: Billingham Campus, Grangefield, Laurence Jackson, Gillbrook Technology College, Ormesby Comprehensive and De Brus Secondary School.

Students complete the course over a period of two years and. spend half-a-day every two weeks at TTE, together with two weeks during the holidays.

The modular course comprises of 50 per cent GCSE coursework and 50 per cent practical and is time-tabled to enhance the schools technology GCSE courses.

Students also achieve units towards an intermediate level two GNM certificate in engineering.

Participants learn a range of engineering skills and gain technical understanding of mechanical control systems.

Attendance is modelled on the disciplines of working life.

TTE group technical manager Keith Leslie, said: "The aim of the course is to give students a new and different option when they decide on their GCSE's and their route through further education.

"It gives them foundation skills in engineering and helps with their personal development. TTE gives students a great work ethic, which has a knock on effect in their school lives."

He added: "The TTE schools programme gives young people on greater options when it comes to decisions on further education and careers.