Students gave presentations to industry leaders describing how their course had helped prepare them for their chosen career.

The regional Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) was holding its latest networking meeting at the Cockerell Centre in Lowestoft College.

So Matt Knights, Phillip Jeffries and other ECITB delegates took they chance to hear from students aged between 16 and 21 about the knowledge and skills they had gained during a pre-apprenticeship course.

A pre-apprenticeship is designed to prepare them for an apprenticeship course and show them the working environment in their selected industry.

Lowestoft College is the largest of six ECITB pre-apprenticeship providers in the country and is the only college in the region to provide the course.

Jo Pretty, principal of the College in St Peter's Street, said: 'As we work closely together with those in the industry, we understand completely the skills our students require.

'This course has given the students great aspirations and they completely understand what is expected of them for a job.'

The course comprises of knowledge and practical skills, as well as health and safety training critical to the industry.

Student Sam King, 18, from Planters Grove, Lowestoft, said: 'The ECITB pre-apprenticeship programme is giving me a fantastic opportunity to learn theory based and practical skills.

'I feel well placed to secure a position in the offshore wind industry, and this programme will enable me to transition onto the ECITB advanced apprenticeship.'

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