Story Group is among dozens of firms and organisations across Cumbria offering teenagers a potentially life-changing opportunity.

Dream Placement sees youngsters work at companies for a week to learn about leadership and career opportunities.

This year, also taking part is Newsquest Cumbria, GlaxoSmithKline, Copeland MP Trusdy Harrison and the NHS.

Story, based in Carlisle, is offering placements to teens at its Story homes and Story Contracting businesses.

Eve Howland and Gabriel Hodgkins-Webb, both from Cockermouth School, will join Story Homes for the placement, and Ella Batey from The Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton and Travis Short from St Benedict’s School in Whitehaven will join Story Contracting.

The Story Homes students will be tasked with the mission of assessing two pieces of land for development. They will spend time with each department to understand more about their roles and responsibilities, and at the end of the week they will present to their new colleagues outlining which piece of land should be progressed for a Story Homes development.

Louise Mackenzie, learning and development advisor at Story Homes, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the Dream Placement initiative for the fifth year running. Both Gabriel and Eve are talented students who are looking forward to the opportunity to help build their confidence in communications, workplace skills and gain experience within a variety of departments."

Craig Hamilton, technical training manager at Story Contracting, said: “Dream Placement is an excellent way for young people to see the world of work and build relationships which will help them as they take their first steps on their career journey.”

Around 200 16 to 18-year-olds applied for the Dream Placement scheme, organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance and 50 were chosen to work with companies.

Sarah Glass, of the Centre for Leadership Performance, added: “Dream Placement was co-created with businesses which now fund the scheme and it is a vital tool in addressing talent attraction and retention in Cumbria."