Last updated 21:49, Sunday, 23 November 2008

LUCAS Telford has high aspirations for a career in the army.

THE BIZ: Year 11 Alfred Barrow School students Lucas Telford, left, and Sarah Stewart with their Schools in Business Award certificates submitted PICTURE

LUCAS Telford has high aspirations for a career in the army.

The 15-year-old believes his Schools in Business Award will demonstrate that he is a reliable and committed recruit.

The Year 11 Alfred Barrow School pupil has proved he has the key employability skills to achieve the certificate awarded by Cumbria Business Education Consortium.

It recognises achievement and performance in attendance, punctuality, work experience, school deadlines, involvement with employers, key skills and citizenship.

Lucas achieved the undergraduate status certificate last year. This year he is working towards graduate status.

CBEC is currently introducing Year 10 the Schools in Business Award to students across South Cumbria.

Lucas said: “It feels good to get the award. I think it is a worthwhile award to have because employers know about it. It will look good in my folder.

“I want to join the army and go to Harrogate College. I want to go into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and get a trade.”

Alfred Barrow student Sarah Stewart also achieved the undergraduate award.

The 15-year-old wants to study for A-Levels at Barrow Sixth Form College when she leaves school and is interested in childcare and law.

Sarah said: “The award is a good record to show I can meet the skills.

“When I take the certificate to college they will be able to see I have good attendance, and when I show it to an employer they will say this is someone I can employ.”

Furness was the first area in Cumbria to offer the awards. Sam Stretch, education business partnership development manager for CBEC in Furness, visits secondary schools to talk to pupils about the scheme.

Companies and small businesses can contact Sam on 07866 442077.