A TEENAGER has found his niche in life, thanks to a school work placement.

Stephen Pitt, 19, of Peterlee, has become a nursery nurse and is working at Wingate Children's Centre after getting training funded by the Learning and Skills Council.

Three years ago, Mr Pitt was allocated his work placement at a nursery because he had no idea what he wanted to do when he left school.

He said: "I really wasn't looking forward to it, but it turned out to be absolutely fantastic. I knew straight away that this was what I wanted to do."

He secured a place at East Durham and Houghall Community College and after gaining a level three Cache diploma, he was awarded the college's Nursery Nurse of the Year title and obtained the job at Wingate.

Diane Roebuck, the senior nursery officer who worked with Mr Pitt, said: "He is just a natural in the nursery environment. He works so easily with the young ones, encouraging, guiding and monitoring their development and learning capabilities."

Mr Pitt, who hopes to do a foundation degree, said: "I cannot imagine doing anything else now. I hope one day to manage a nursery and perhaps even set up one of my own."

Chris Roberts, regional director of the Learning and Skills Council, said: "It is marvellous to see someone find their vocation in life, albeit by chance.

"The range of high-quality training available means there many opportunities for people to learn skills to follow a career path that suits them at almost any time of life."