STUDENTS in Bradford are being given the opportunity to experience the world of work.

Six pupils at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College are among 60 students across the UK who are taking part in a six-week paid work placement with banking group Santander.

The placements are part of the bank's national support for educational charity Career Ready which prepares students for the world of work via structured career academies incorporating a programme of mentoring, workplace visits, internships and masterclasses.

They also support Career Ready's '140 hours' campaign calling on employers to offer paid internships of at least four weeks (140 hours) in a bid to boost social mobility, bridge the skills gap and develop a talent pipeline.

Pam Speed, director of Santander operations, said: β€œAt Santander our purpose is to help people and businesses prosper. By working in partnership with organisations such as Career Ready we can ensure all young people have the opportunity to realise their potential. The internship programme is integral to our aim, providing quality internship placements for Career Ready students and giving young people the opportunity to develop their employability skills, gain invaluable insight into the industry and broaden their horizons, whatever career path they choose to take. By the same token, as an organisation, we meet fresh, new, forward-thinking and innovative talent.”

Reece Garside, a Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College student, one of five students starting with Santander, said: "This experience has truly opened my eyes to working life and I thoroughly recommend this internship to anyone who has a willing to learn more about the opportunities that surround them. Doing this internship has helped me to unlock my potential and has allowed me to develop some extremely important skills."