A PARTNERSHIP between a Winchester firm and a Hampshire college has yielded its first graduate.

Lakesmere, a construction specialist in roofing and cladding, has been investing in young talent at Wyvern College, Eastleigh, through their new School to Work scheme.

Year 11 student Callum Bridges, from Southampton, spent one day a week working alongside Lakesmere’s technical department and now has a bespoke Lakesmere Diploma to show for it.

He impressed so much that he has even been offered a job when he leaves school, but the 16-year-old intends to finish his GCSEs first.

He said: “I have learnt so much throughout my placement with Lakesmere, not only in terms of the technical skills I have gained but also from working as part of a team in a busy office environment and I am looking forward to pursuing a career in the construction industry once I have finished school.”

Lakesmere’s Learning and Development Manager, Michelle Hammerton, said: “We are delighted that our School to Work scheme has got off to such a great start and we hope that more young people like Callum take advantage of the great benefits that this programme has to offer.”