A COLLEGE has been recognised for a scheme that helps pupils into work with a local employer.

Durham Community Business College, formerly Deerness Valley Comprehensive, featured in School in Focus on the TeacherNet website for its Fit for Employment scheme.

The scheme started three years ago as an initiative to give Durham students a hands-on learning experience, while boosting recruitment in the construction industry.

The programme of work-based training was developed as a partnership between The Esh Group, a local construction company and New College Durham.

In a short time, it has demonstrated impressive returns in terms of academic achievement and local employment prospects, resulting in extended funding and national recognition including Pathfinder status from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

Gerry Sexton, the school's Extended Schools co-ordinator, said: "The scheme aims to support a positive view of learning by moving the curriculum away from a theoretical approach to learning to one which is directly applied to the world of work.

"Current DfES thinking within the 14 to 19 curriculum encourages greater vocational emphasis as part of a smooth transition from school to work."

Mr Sexton said it aimed not only to provide meaningful training for the young people, but also to provide increased aspiration for employment. So far, 60 pupils have modern apprenticeships.

Mr Sexton said: "As well as the more traditional careers in construction such as joiner, plumber, electrician, bricklayer and site engineer, the young people have taken up employment in all areas of administration and accounts within the company."

There is also evidence to show the project has helped students improve levels of attendance and attainment. An analysis of external examination results has revealed a ten per cent rise in attainment at GCSE level for the year group involved in the first phase of the project.