TEN school leavers have been offered apprenticeships thanks to a scheme being piloted at their school.

The year 11 students, from Bishop Barrington School, Bishop Auckland, have been attending Sedgefield Borough Council's Business and Training Centre at Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, Shildon.

The weekly visits are part of their GCSE studies in applied manufacturing.

They have undergone an induction process, including health and safety and risk assessment, before learning how to use machinery.

Thanks to the experience they gained during the 18-month course, all ten have been offered apprenticeships.

So far, four of the students have decided to take up the offers and will start work in September.

A presentation for the students was held at the centre and the students were given certificates and details of the jobs they had been offered.

Training officer Scott Franklin said: "They have all done really excellently. Their attitude has been very good and they have shown excellent ability."

Training manager John Cant said: "Overall, they have done really well.

"It is a credit to the school, the way the kids have conducted themselves."