Young people aged between 16 and 18 are being invited to take part in taster activities in a wide range of course areas which start next Monday at Bishop Auckland College.

The college is running the five week programme in response to a request from Durham County Council’s One Point careers advice service.

From 9.30am to 3pm each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from July 29th and throughout August, all 16-18 year olds can drop in and try their hand at everything from being a chef to childcare to construction trades.

Other areas include: art & design; beauty therapy; health & social care; motor vehicle; music; performing arts; public services and travel & tourism. Meanwhile sporty types can try the climbing wall, badminton, basketball or five-a-side football, while budding entrepreneurs can find out about being your own boss.

Principal Natalie Davison is encouraging young people to come in and have a go. She said: “There will be hundreds of school leavers and other young people in County Durham kicking their heels during the holidays, many of whom have not yet decided their next move after the summer break.

“I would urge them to drop in to the college one Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday over the next five weeks and try their hand at whatever they are interested in, whether it be business, badminton or beauty therapy. We have lots of course options and apprenticeship opportunities so who knows what a quick visit could lead to?”

For more information about the summer school, visit www.bishopaucklandcollege.ac.uk or email start@bacoll.ac.uk or call (01388) 443000.