Youngsters excluded from school or with severe truancy problems have successfully completed a pioneering training programme.

The pupils received certificates from Bradford council's Angela Drizi in a ceremony at Keighley College.

The Transition to Training programme introduces youngsters aged 14-16 to a range of skills including brickwork, painting, woodwork, electrics, welding, car maintenance and juggling. Morning and afternoon workshops are held over a 26-week period.

The programme has been developed by the college in conjunction with Bradford council, the Construction Ind-ustry Training Board, Keighley's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) and local schools.

Tutor Mark Curtis says: "Exclusion is the worst thing that can happen to a pupil. Whether the reason is behavioural or personal problems, once the young person is out of the education system it is extremely difficult for them to be remotivated. The result is often a low-achieving adult with few options and less prospects.

"We encourage students to build something from day one. With accomplishment comes the self-esteem these individuals so often need."

The programme has been extended with help from the SRB, which is funding an initiative to tackle truancy in local secondary schools.

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