Some of Cumbria’s most enterprising and ambitious youngsters have taken a step closer to making their dream careers a reality.

The Dream Placement scheme is an annual opportunity for a select few Cumbrian teenagers to spend a week learning the inner workings of a county business.

Taking place in the February half term holiday last week, with a development day of events held last month, just under 50 16 to 18-year-olds were chosen from nearly 200 applicants across Cumbria.

Billed as more than a work experience opportunity, the Dream Placement scheme offers students the chance to meet some of Cumbria’s most senior public and private sector leaders.

Run by the non-profit leadership development group the Centre for Leadership Performance based in Workington, some of the organisations involved included Sellafield, Story Homes and the NHS health trusts, as well as Newsquest Cumbria.

Carlisle-based businesses Story Homes and Story Contracting both took in two students each.

Craig Hamilton is the technical training manger at Story Contracting. He said that the scheme “is an excellent way for young people to see the world of work”.

He added that it helps them to “build relationships which will help them as they take their first steps on their career journey.”

16-year-old Liam Wright, a student at St Benedict’s school in Whitehaven, had a “brilliant” week with the NHS, and has been spurred on by the experience to pursue a career in medicine.

“I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity,” he said after his week was complete.

“It has been a fantastic experience.

“This week has really given me a true insight into a career in medicine and has really motivated me to stick in with my studies and do well.”

The students who secured a place with the NHS in Cumbria were given the opportunity to observe in operating theatres, as well as meeting with both medical and senior management staff.

For the first time this year, Copeland MP Trudy Harrison also took part in the scheme, and the two successful applicants joined her for part of their week in the Houses of Parliament.

“Young people in our area have talked really positively about Dream Placement,” Trudy said.

“It is fantastic what the programme provides. I would like to see more businesses offering opportunities like this to young people.”

The Centre for Leadership Performance’s marketing and business development manager, Sarah Glass, stressed the importance of Cumbrian businesses and organisations in supporting the scheme.

“It simply could not happen without the support of businesses and partners working together with students and parents,” she said.

“Collaboration is at the centre of everything we do.

“The Dream Placement was co-created with businesses which now fund the scheme as a leadership development and placement programme where we ensure that everyone who applies can benefit.

“It is a vital tool in addressing talent attraction and retention in Cumbria.”