An e-learning business in Shipley is aiming to attract more youngsters into information communication technologies (ICT) through a computer game.

BTL, which is based on Ashley Lane, has been commissioned by regeneration agency Yorkshire Forward to develop a game-based learning package.

The package, which is called Playstation to Workstation (P2W), aims to use games as a way to encourage young people to consider a career in ICT.

BTL was founded by Dr Bob Gomersall - former head of physics at Bradford Grammar School - in 1986, to provide CD ROM-based educational materials.

Now the firm develops e-learning solutions and produces learning tool for its clients.

The P2W game is based around a French film director, Francois Truffle, who needs urgent help to complete his latest science fiction film.

The game player must help the director with a number of tasks such as setting up a computer network and designing a website for the film.

Chris Sealey, project manager at BTL, said: "The P2W project hopes to show that a game-based learning package really can encourage disenfranchised school leavers to direct their PC gaming skills towards a career in ICT.

"There is growing interest in game-based learning as people strive to find new ways of engaging those who, for whatever reason, have been failed by more traditional learning routes.

"While interest in game-based learning is growing, and theories abound, the case is not yet proven.

"The acid test is to develop and trial real game-based learning with real learners, and much more work needs to be done in this area to assess the merits of the game-based approach.

"This project is one attempt to gather hard evidence."

The game is currently being piloted in two community centres in South Yorkshire.

BTL, which has just taken on an additional office suite at its Salts Wharf headquarters, also publishes around 25 educational titles.

Clients of the firm include Ufi (University for Industry) and QCA (Qualifications Curriculum Authority).

In 1997 BTL set up the Virtual College Group plc which offers e-learning solutions to a variety of industry sectors.