Colleges are taking over the methods developed by SummitSkills' Test Drive Talent initiative to deliver work experience opportunities to plumbing and electrical students.

As part of the initiative, some 146 businesses signed a Youth Pledge, committing themselves to helping young people get the skills and experience they need for employment. Through the project, over 270 employers offered one or more placements to specially selected talented students, aged 16 and over, who are currently studying full-time on industry-related courses. Around 54 young people gained employment through the Test Drive Talent initiative, with the majority of these securing an apprenticeship.

One of the employers offering placements was Steve Fearn, owner of Steve Fearn Plumbing & Heating, who provided a work placement to plumbing student Zain Hussain from Leeds College of Building. Fearn was even the first employer to receive a Test Drive Talent van sticker, highlighting to customers his business' commitment to supporting young people.

He said: "I was impressed. Zain was a real credit to the business during his time with me and he took the chance to get the most from the work experience. It's important to support young people entering the industry so I was happy to sign up to the Youth Pledge and now that I've got the sticker on my van everyone can see that this business is committed to young people. My customers can be reassured that they have chosen to use the right company for their work."

Hussain said: "My work experience has definitely improved my chances of getting a job. Working alongside an experienced professional makes you understand what's really involved in doing the job day-to-day and all the other skills you need that you can't learn in a classroom."

Companies that took part brought the student into their day-to-day projects and involved them in work routines, giving them the opportunity to learn, get hands-on experience and develop their skills. 

Of the initiative's success, Neil Collishaw of SummitSkills said: "We were really pleased to see the way that so many employers embraced work experience when it was packaged with advice and support. Offering this kind of work experience sends a positive message to staff and customers about the values of your organisation.

"Students selected for these placements are the high achievers in their class and can bring new perspectives and the latest knowledge and skills to a business. We're delighted that colleges want to build on the project's success by continuing to use the knowledge and materials that we created."

Advice, guidance and support materials for employers, colleges and students can still be accessed at www.summitskills.org.uk/testdrivetalent.