Students at Ely College had a go at operating an excavator during a skills day at Cambridge Regional College which aimed to encourage more people to take up apprenticeships.

Eighteen Year 11 construction students joined CRC students to test their skills on simulators as well as diggers, and talk to employers including Mick George, Flannery Plant Hire and Balfour Beatty.

Ely student George Thurlow said: “The trip was enjoyable and exciting. I did something I’ve never experienced before in driving a digger. The experience to go on a simulator for the dump trucks is something I will never forget.”

Another Year 11 student, Danny Pake, said “the trip made me understand diggers more, which will help me when I go into farming as a career.”

Ely College technology teacher David Mackintosh said: “The links we made with industry will prove valuable in years to come.

“Our students left the day highly motivated ready for their next step in education.”