SIXTH-FORM students are being given the chance to combine education with work.

Stockton Sixth Form College's Student Apprenticeship scheme is aimed at youngsters who are unsure if they want to stay in education or find a job once they leave school.

Nine students have taken up the scheme and are now able to get work experience as well as continue with their studies.

The students spend three days a week at college, where they are studying vocational A-levels in ICT and business studies. They then spend the remainder of the week on a work placement at one of nine companies which have backed the scheme.

The companies, which include Stockton Borough Council and Yarm Computers, treat the students as full-time employees and give them the same tasks and responsibilities as other staff.

It is hoped that at the end of the two-year apprenticeship the students will not only achieve the equivalent of three A-levels, but will also have work experience which will hopefully stand them in good stead should they want to remain in full-time employment.

Sue Knox, vice-principal at the college, said: "The scheme has only been running for a couple of months but the students are already loving it and are saying they made the right decision by taking part in the pilot.

"We choose ICT and Business Studies because we believe these are the subjects employers are looking for, but it is our intention to expand this to areas like health and care if the pilot proves a success."

Financial support from the Learning and Skills Council has allowed the college to provide a bursary to the students throughout the duration of the course.