Constructive move for students (From Gazette & Herald)

Constructive move for students

MORE than 20 students from four Ryedale secondary schools will leave full-time education with a unique qualification in construction skills - the first step on the ladder of a career.

Two years ago, the Business and Education Partnership for York and North Yorkshire responded to a need for more tradespeople in the Ryedale area.

It acquired funds from the Learning and Skills Council North Yorkshire and Yorkshire Forward to establish a BTEC First Diploma in Construction for Askham Bryan College, Pickering.

They learned painting, decorating, brickwork and joinery.

"This course has allowed the more practical of our students to experience new skills and gain a meaningful qualification to go alongside their GCSE subjects," said John Tomsett, head teacher of Lady Lumley's School, Pickering, and chairman of the 14-19 Curriculum Task Group of Ryedale Area Learning Partnership.

Updated: 13:41 Wednesday, June 29, 2005