She said: "I have always felt I would enjoy an administrative job and I am taking a business course at school. But the chance to work in a real office environment with the Metro has been fantastic. It has made me certain that this is what I want to do and given me the chance to gain a Level 2 Business Studies NVQ, all of which should help me find work when I leave education."

The St. Thomas More School's tie up with Access offers sixth form students on the Vocational Business course (equivalent to two 'A' levels) an opportunity to complete an NVQ level 2 qualification in either Business Administration or Customer Services, while on a weekly work placement.

Each student is interviewed before being allocated a placement with local businesses which, as well at the Metro, include the Marriott Hotel, Rok Engineering, Arco and Lloyds TSB.

Claire Rainbow, Head of the Vocational Business Department at the school, said: "We recognise the value of work related learning and through these placements our students are able to develop not only their business skills, knowledge and understanding but also their generic employability skills. This aids their career planning and progression and helps them to grow in confidence. These placements are now a key part of our curriculum and complement the work done in the classroom."

John Kear, Metro Safety and Training Standards Manager, added: "We are delighted to be able to help local students wanting to learn more about working life and Megan has been a great asset during her time with us."

Stuart Shackleton, Skills Advisor with Access, said: "This is a fantastic programme which not only provides the students with a universally recognised qualification but allows them to get in depth experience of the type of work they have chosen to do when they leave education. This provides them with a platform not only to find employment but also to further vocational learning such as an apprenticeship."