Entrepreneurs of the future created their own commercial and spoof web pages as part of a pioneering two-day conference to sharpen up skills for the workplace.

More than 100 Asian students enjoyed The Pathways to Employment Event at Valley Parade which was organised by Bradford-based QED (Quest for Economic Development).

They held workshops to discuss practical issues of running a business and listened to leading employers in the area including representatives from the Telegraph & Argus.

Cheryl Clarkson, project manager at QED, said the two-day event aimed to tackle unemployment among ethnic minorities which is about two-and-a-half times higher than among white people.

"We want to identify skills to take into their field of work and help them have more confidence to undertake challenges and get used to working as a team."

Schools taking part included Hanson, Belle Vue Girls, Rhodesway, Tong and Yorkshire Martyrs.

Nafeeza Ahmed, 17, an A-level student at Tong School said: "It is a good way to meet new people and build up communication skills.

"We looked at problem solving in the workplace and how to work together as a team to overcome problems."

Lisa Boothroyd, a 24-year-old graduate who is working at Yorkshire Building Society in Bradford, said it was important to equip students with practical skills.

"When you are fresh out of university you might have the knowledge but not workplace skills which can be part of the requirements of a job. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn those skills," she said.

QED-UK helps to improve the social, educational and economic circumstances of disadvantaged South Asian communities in the UK enabling them to play a full role in all aspects of British life.

The conference was sponsored by Provident Financial.