Young people from across Cumbria have the opportunity to become part of a dynamic initiative designed to create a future workforce for the county’s top companies.

Dream Placement 2020 is a vital step on a ladder of achievement, aiming to equip young people with the skills, experience and contacts to carry them through further education, university, their first job and beyond.

It gives 16 to18-year-olds the chance to gain life-changing experience of leadership and career opportunities through spending a week within Cumbria’s top businesses and organisations over February half-term.

Organised and delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance (CfLP), the development programme is funded by businesses that share a commitment to invest in Cumbria’s young people.

Up to 30 companies are set to offer Dream Placements, including LOCALiQ, Newsquest Cumbria, Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, GlaxoSmithKline, Lakes College and more.

CfLP executive director Sarah Glass said: “Dream Placement offers students a unique life-changing opportunity to choose their career path.

"It is immensely satisfying for everyone involved to see the progress the students make during the selection process.

"Companies taking part also benefit from meeting and getting to know the young people, both during the selection and the placement itself."

Candidates awarded placements will attend a development day at Energus, Lillyhall, on Saturday January 25 for a day of activities designed to prepare them for their week within business.

To apply, visit: https://dreamplacement.org.uk/dream-placement-application-form.

The closing date is October 28.