COLLEGE bosses in Bury have been continuing their attempts to forge links between the educational and industrial worlds.

Students from Bury College have been securing challenging work experience placements, to extend their skills and provide first-hand on-the-job training which may prove valuable in their chosen fields.

One such student has been Ryan Connell, an ambitious engineering hopeful, who was linked up a leading global manufacturer for his stint.

Ryan's placement was with Kadant UK, which provides engineering systems for process industries worldwide from the Riverside Works in Woodhill Road.

He was given the opportunity to work on CAD drawings as well as visit the on-site workshop for auditing purposes.

Ryan, a former Unsworth Academy pupil, is completing the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering.

He said, “I was really excited to secure this work experience placement and it has given me a great insight into a career within the engineering industry. I feel better prepared now for progression into the workplace.

"The work experience team at college helped me to secure this opportunity, they prepared me for the interview and gave me some great advice.”

College chiefs say work experience is a vital part of the study programmes there, giving students the chance to develop essential employability skills. And management at Kadant was happy to be backing young people, giving them the chance to gain skills and knowledge required to be successful in their futures.

Nigel Goldswain, an engineering manager, added: "The work experience opportunity was beneficial for both parties. We have enjoyed showing an aspiring engineer an insight into the industry and preparing the individual for a career within the sector.”