Ref. 30973-29THREE of these youngsters will soon be spending time at the Evening Advertiser to pick up skills that will equip them for the world of work.

Our organisation has offered Upland School pupils work placements after they appealed to Swindon businesses to give them a chance.

The school, which teaches youngsters with learning difficulties, has faced barriers when trying to find its students work experience.

Teacher Rona Compton is delighted with the offer and hopes Swindon businesses will follow suit.

She said: "It's brilliant. The place-ments are exciting opportunities for our students, especially as they are aware of the Evening Advertiser.

"Work experience has to prepare them for something meaningful and we like to see them end up in part-time work.

"This will enable them to acquire the skills they need. I just want say a big thank you."

Teachers are now deciding which students would get maximum benefit from the placements, which will take place in the newsroom and the photographic and marketing depart-ments.

Some students have already found employment after successful place-ments.

They include Keith Audet, 19, who works at the Co-op in Rodbourne Cheney, and James Williams, 18, who is employed by McDonalds.

Staff from McDonalds branches in Swindon raised more than £2,500 to fund the construction of a patio caf where pupils learn how to interact with customers.

Paul Booth, McDonalds franchisee for Swindon, said: "Swindon companies should definitely participate in work experience placements and see whether the individual fits their own particular needs.

"James used to come in one morning per week and then that was extended to twice a week. Now he gets paid.

"He's a lovely lad he's got a great personality and he's got lots to say to everybody.

"My intention is to take on another Uplands pupil at another restaurant.

"It's a positive advantage to the business, otherwise we wouldn't be doing it."

The Uplands School caf is open to the public every Thursday from 10.30am to 11.30am. If you can offer a pupil some work experience, call the school on 01793 724751.

Bhavani Vadde