PUPILS from Pershore High School have become the first Industrial Cadet Cohort taken on by Yamazaki Mazak in Worcester.

Tommy Ross, Craig Pritchard, Jon Brett, Max Smith and Chris Clark were the first team to be taken on by the firm, which machine tools and are the forefront of technology today.

The week was masterminded by David Barnett, learning and development manager at Mazak, who guided the students through team building and problem-solving exercises, whilst giving them a practical insight into the company.

Working with the Engineering Development Trust the scheme is designed to test the skills of students, and probably the managers.

At the end of the week, the students gave their presentation to Mazak UK and EDT.

John Rees, head of IAG and Clive Corbett, headteacher, were fortunate to see the outcome of their work and were proud to see the students graduate from the course.

Mr Rees said: "We should very much like to thank Dave Barnett for his support and guidance, to Mazak as a company for making the experience such a productive and pleasant one and Geoff Jellis of the EDT for his support and presentation of certificates.

"The team will demonstrate their skills at the EDT Exhibition in Birmingham on May 1. Well done, gentlemen - you will be a hard act to follow."