By James Johnson

Last updated at 12:57, Monday, 23 July 2012

Young people have been taught new and interesting skills thanks to specialist training.

Taya Dixon tries out the truck simulator with guidance from instructor Martin Cragg

The 12 Carlisle Youth Zone members went to Carlisle Airport as part of their National Citizen Service in an effort to gain valuable experience.

The service aims to provide young people with skills that will appeal to potential employers and universities.

The youngsters got involved with System Training, which supplies apprenticeships across Cumbria and are used to develop young people, as well as being actively involved in annual fundraising activities.

As part of their three-week learning programme the youths were taught skills at the airport with the aim of better equipping them for future opportunities. The 16-year-olds were shown how to change tyres, check brakes, and even drive a full-size truck using a state-of-the-art driving simulator.

Their driving was then put to the test at the airfield before visiting the airport itself to get an insight into the operations and air-traffic control duties.

Taya Dixon, 16, from Newby East, said: “We really learnt a lot today.

“Normally you never learn anything about vehicles and cars until you are 17 so everything we have been taught today has been very useful and given us a head start.

“The whole programme has been really good as it’s covered everything from team building, learning new skills and meeting people.

“As well as giving us more knowledge it’s also helped to improve our social skills and that will be a big benefit as we get older.”

The NCS brings young people together to learn new skills and develop their experience.

The programme runs for three weeks and includes a residential aspect.

Andy Dodds, E-commerce manager at System Training, said: “We are recognised for equipping apprentices across Cumbria with the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.

“It made sense for us to build on our relationship with Carlisle Youth Zone to help their member benefit from the programme.

“Hopefully we will have given them some new skills they can build on during their social and working lives.”

First published at 11:28, Monday, 23 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk