Tong High School student Chris Corbally has been offered the first apprenticeship resulting from a pioneering partnership between the school and Bradford building and civil engineering company, Moortown Construction.

The Classroom in Construction scheme was launched earlier this year to offer construction students hands-on and classroom training and employment opportunities.

Several local firms combined to transform a disused caretaker’s house in the school grounds into a working building site where pupils can learn and develop practical skills.

The new centre was built by Moortown with backing from property consultants Rex Procter and Partners, Pitts Wilson Electrical and Ilkley-based NG Bailey.

Chris, who will start his apprenticeship after leaving school in July, said: “I’m really happy to have been offered this apprenticeship, after being able to acquire valuable hands-on expertise and knowledge of how the construction industry works.”

Aiden McManus, managing director, said: “We are delighted to partner Tong High School on this wide-ranging scheme and enable pupils to develop vital practical skills alongside academic success. From the outset, Chris was reliable, committed and passionate and came across as professional and in control at all times, which is a real asset to any company.”