STUDENTS from across West Cumbria could be in with the chance of working for some of the region's top employers.

Sixth form pupils will be given the opportunity to impress business leaders as part of a work placement scheme.

Dream Placement, run by Cockermouth's Centre for Leadership Performance, will see its latest cohort of young people apply for a placement with one of 30 local companies taking part in the scheme.

They include Sellafield, Story Homes, Nugen, NHS Foundation Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation and Allerdale council.

Successful candidates will spend a week with a company during February half term to get an inside view of how the businesses are run.

They will spend time with senior teams to get a better understanding of what it takes to be a leader in business.

The application process involves an online application followed by a Dragons' Den-style interview event in December, where they will come face-to-face with senior managers of the organisations involved.

Dream Placement is aimed at investing in the area's future leaders by making students more aware of the opportunities available to them in Cumbria.

Sarah Glass, business development manager at Centre for Leadership Performance, said: "We are delighted that so many organisations are on board for 2016.

"Last year was a huge success and with even more companies on board we hope to make 2016 even more successful. 

"By working with local businesses, Dream Placement offers students an insight into the fantastic opportunities here in Cumbria and shows them what they can aspire to in leadership roles and helps businesses connect with their next generation of leaders. 

"I urge any young person out there who's thinking about it to enter, this is a fantastic opportunity and is unique to Cumbria."

Applications close on October 26. To enter, visit www.cforlp.org.uk