TEENAGERS have been given the chance to gain new skills and experiences through a project run by the Princes Trust and the Army Reserves.

Around 16 boys from Darlington, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire and Leeds took part in the week-long residential course at Megiddo Lines in Catterick Garrison, and learnt the basics of engineering, metalwork, armoury, and vehicle recovery.

The tactical engineering development (TED) project is an ongoing scheme between colleges, the Army Reserve and the Princes Trust, targeting young people aged 16 to 19 who have become disengaged at school to learn about engineering.

Warrant Officers Dave Tomlinson and Tracy Downs, project co-ordinators, said the participants had gained a lot during the week.

WO2 Downs said: “It is great to see them come out of their shell. They have all done really well, and we enjoy seeing their confidence grow and they go away with new skills that can help them either join the Army or Army Reserves, or a civilian job.”

Paul Harrison, 17, from South Bank, Middlesbrough, said he enjoyed engineering and building buggies the most.

“I liked building the buggy because you work as a team and the leaders just let us get on with it.”

Jonathan Osborne, 17, from Darlington, said: “I spoke to a friend in the Reserves and she got me into the course.

“I’m hoping to join the Army anyway, with REME in armoury, so it has been good to get an idea of what it will be like if I get in.”

WO2 Tomlinson added: “This started as a project between Redcar and Cleveland College and 102 Battalion, REME, and we take young people who are out of education, employment or training to develop their experience and confidence."