A student from Willenhall school was referred to Walsall EBP's Occupational Taster Programme after becoming disaffected with school for a number of reasons.

Pool Hays School suggested Aaron Dudley could benefit from a work placement with a local company. Following an interview at the school with Lorenzo Cosco, from Walsall EBP, a short-term placement was set-up with a local engineering company, as Aaron's wish was to become a toolmaker. He did so well on the placement that the company were happy to increase his placement from one day per week to three days per week

At the end of the school year, Aaron decided to continue his engineering education by enrolling on an Apprentice Programme with Performance Through People. At the PTP training centre in Walsall, he is learning how to use a variety of machinery and will shortly have a placement arranged to use his new skills in the workplace. At the same time, he is studying towards an Engineering National Vocational Qualification at Level Two.