Harold students who are underachieving are being given the chance to swap the classroom for the workplace in a bid to help them fully realise their true potential.

Rather than slogging through extra GCSE subjects which they may have no interest in, students are being offered the chance to mix three days of GCSE classroom activity and a one day course at Havering College with a day work placement with a local firm.

The scheme is entitled Choices and being run by training advisors and providers Rathbone Community Industry with the Havering Business and Education Partnership.

The project is designed to enhance the motivation of students whose skills are mechanical rather than academic, and to boost their chances of getting a job.

King's Wood School student Michael Ward, 15, had a poor school attendance record last year, but since winning his placement at Allen Ford Motors, Romford, his record has improved drastically.

He has loved all things mechanical since his childhood and the Choices scheme has finally given him the chance to break into the world of oily overalls.

Michael said: "I was brought up on motorbikes since I was a kid when my dad bought me a bike and I rode it on a field. When it needed repairs I got used to mending it myself.

"Last week I changed oil and break pads, although what I get next week depends on what cars come in. I hope to get a job as a mechanic next year but it depends how hard I work - and I'll keep up the studies to the end of the year too."

Susan Holloway, who will be gaining catering experience at a caf, said: "It's the only placement I could do - catering was the only one I liked. But it's better than before as it's only three days hard work a week and it makes it more interesting than actual school."

Monica Halse, of organisers Rathbone CI, believes that the scheme will prove beneficial to students more comfortable working with their hands than studying in classroom situations.

"The programme means that if they are not doing so well academically, they don't think 'I'm no good' or 'I'm going to be unemployed for life'

It gives them a chance to gain a practical skill. And with the support of the training providers, they can go on to get NVQs in administration, retail, mechanics or in whatever they are working at."

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