Youngsters from Cleator Moor and Frizington have experienced the world of work.

Six young people from The Phoenix Youth Project spent time working with Impact Housing, Cyberlab, Cycliffe EDF, Kaefer, Balfour Beatty, Copeland Borough Council, BEC, and AS Design.

All companies gave half a day to the young people along with freelance writer Rachael Grealish who worked with them to prepare online articles about the week.

The Phoenix Role Models work experience is organised by Dianne Richardson, of Balfour Beatty who uses her links within the industry to set up the placements.

Paul Rowe, project manager for The Phoenix Youth Project, said: "What a week - Phoenix Role models work experience has come up trumps, once again.

"The young people thoroughly enjoyed the week and two of the new organisations were a particular hit. AS Design and BEC added great variety to the week, now in its fourth year.

"Our young people on the whole aren't high achievers, aren't supported by parents already working in the world of Sellafield and its supply chain, so this opportunity makes a real impact on their future aspirations.

"A huge thanks to Dianne and Balfour Beatty and we're already looking forward to next year's."

Dianne Richardson, social impact and communications manager at Balfour Beatty, said: "We know there are amazing youngsters in our local community who struggle to get the same opportunities as others because of where they live or what their parents do.

"It’s important to us to level that playing field and the Phoenix Work Awareness Scheme is part of our work to do that.

"The youngsters not only find out more about the variety of careers in West Cumbria but also get the chance to build up contacts in the business world just before they embark on their careers. A huge thank you to the businesses who have contributed over the week."

The Phoenix Youth Project runs three youth centres in Cleator Moor, Frizington and Moor Row.

The Moor Row centre is open on Monday evenings. Cleator Moor Youth and Community Centre is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evening. Frizington Youth Centre is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.

All evening sessions with the exception of Friday evenings run between 6pm and 9pm, with 8 – 12 year olds attending between 6pm and 7.30pm and 13 - 19 year olds attending between 7.30pm and 9pm.

The Friday sessions run between 6pm and 8pm for 12 – 19 year olds only and are part of the Friday Night Project.

For further details contact Paul Rowe on 01946 814555.