A PILOT project is helping schools across the region to boost the job prospects of their pupils.

The scheme has involved 20 secondary schools across the county and York working to improve careers guidance by placing it at the centre of the curriculum.

This has forged close working relationships between schools and local employers and has helped place North Yorkshire well ahead in meeting the Government’s demand that pupils should gain workplace experience.

Students at King James School Knaresborough, one of the pilot schools, have benefited from the focus on careers.

They are given first-hand encounters with companies, with lessons held in the workplace, and employers are also brought in to speak about their industry.

Lucy Hazelton, a manager at King James, said: “Supporting students to explore future pathways, raise knowledge and understanding of career areas and demonstrating career links to curriculum subjects can be highly motivational and raise the aspirations of our students.”