Two major employers have opened their doors to youngsters to help them map out careers.

Ten Shipley College students have started work placements at Provident Financial’s head office in Bradford city centre.

They have volunteered to complete the placements at Provident, as part of Bradford Council’s Centre of Excellence for Business initiative. The students will work two days a week for 15 weeks until March.

The aim is for students to develop transferable skills, explore career options, gain self-confidence in a new environment and improve their CVs.

Provident’s Jacky Wilcock said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer the students such a hands-on and relevant work placement.

“We hope they will be able to gain an understanding of how the business and an office is run in the current climate.

“We recognise our responsibility in offering these placements to young people and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Shipley College.”

Shipley College principal Nav Chohan added: “We are extremely grateful to Provident for accommodating our students.

“Although at college, they learn from professionals with backgrounds firmly rooted in business, experiencing it for themselves takes their learning to a different level.”

Meanwhile, budding engineers from Guiseley School quizzed bosses at a leading manufacturer during a fact-finding mission.

The Year 11 pupils, who are studying the National Diploma in Engineering, visited Rawdon-based Airedale International Air Conditioning, including the company's training school which opened in 2011.

They heard from human resources director Steve Joyce about how Airedale, which employs 360 people, remains the top UK manufacturer of chillers and precision cooling products .

He outlined the company structure and the qualifications needed for engineering jobs.

Melissa Webb, Guiseley School employer engagement co-ordinator, said: “Some of the engineering and manufacturing that takes place on our doorstep is world class.

“It is our duty to make students aware of this, to see it and be inspired.

“It is crucial that our students understand and see first-hand some the opportunities available to them so that when they leave school they can make informed career choices.

“Meeting Airedale apprentices, just a few years older than our students, and hearing them talk about their roles at Airedale with such enthusiasm is a great way to motivate and inspire other young students.”