PUPILS have been learning some tricks of the trade thanks to a housing association.

A work placement trial scheme in which students from Dove House Sixth Form College have worked with Sovereign’s Property Services team has been hailed as a success.

As part of the placements, two students had the opportunity to dip their toes into the world of work.

The work placements have been lasting for three months and were taken on by 16-year olds Carl Patey and Bailey Goodhall.

Bailey was offered to spend his placement time with the administration team getting to grips with scanning, photocopying and providing general admin support, while Carl learnt new the tricks of the plumbing trade with George Waisey, one of Sovereign’s oldest operatives.

Assistant headteacher Hannah Stroud said: “Work placements are a key part of our programme and without businesses buying into the work we do, we would not be able to progress their skills and get them into paid jobs.

“The learners really enjoy coming to the Sovereign as hey feel welcoming and they make excellent progress with their employability skills.”

Michelle Larkin, Sovereign’s head of repairs, was approached by the sixth form college to help set up the trial of work placements.

She said: “The trial, which has been part of the school’s ‘moving-on’ programme, has gone very well.”

George said: “Carl has the potential as a plumber if he chooses to take that route- in the meantime thought, he’s teaching me how to be young!”

Details on more information about apprenticeships at the Sovereign can be found on its website.