Young people have been boosting their prospects in the world of work after completing a special training programme.

The 18 to 24-year-olds took part in 12-week pre-employment courses in customer service or retail at MINT employment agency run by City College Norwich and based at The Forum. On Monday their achievements were celebrated at The Forum where they received certificates and gave presentations on what they had learned from the courses which included classroom-based learning and work experience.

Pre-employment co-ordinator Adam Savvas said the young people had developed a great deal during the courses and described their achievements as 'awesome'. He said three of them had already secured employment, and said the employers providing work experience were key to the project's success.

Billy Davidson, 19, from Sprowston, said the customer service course boosted his confidence and he was enjoying a new job at Pizza Express. Other young people to complete the customer service course were Aaron Spalding, Alex Foxe, Alex Hinde, Chantelle Hewison, Daniel Sheppard, Jacob Donaldson. James Hood and Rhys Parker.

Rhys Gibbs, 18, from Thorpe Marriott, said the retail course gave him valuable experience. Other young people to complete the retail pre-employment project were Alex Hale, Ben Wilson, Charlotte Knights, Rowan Hearty, Rachel Garden, Richard Saunders, Stephanie Innes, and Bekki South. The businesses offering work experience were Homebase, The Range, Sainsbury's, Parcelforce, Jarrold, John Lewis and WH Smith.