The progress of young, aspiring students has been celebrated at a certificate presentation on Monday.

The King’s Lynn-based Open Road West Norfolk Trust  presented industry-recognised awards to mark the achievements of motor mechanics and builders at the charity on the Hardwick Industrial Estate.

Staff, trustees, governors and headteachers from high school academies along with local dignitaries, business people and those who work and volunteer to better the lives of young people, were delighted to see students receive their vocational qualifications.

Open Road provides a modern and well equipped automotive and construction industries workshop. 

It offers vocational training to young people who have otherwise struggled to settle in mainstream education.

The qualifications will help students to find a route into an apprenticeship or work.

Fifteen presentations were made during the evening and in total, 35 students successfully completed their studies. 

These included Open Road’s first BTEC level 1 Certificate in Construction, passed with distinction. 

Twenty-four students achieved an Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) Level 1 Award and three completed an IMI Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Inspection.

Open Road’s executive trustee Terry Smith said: “The evening was all about the students. Despite a very tough year for these young people, they’ve made an extraordinary effort to achieve their goal of a professional qualification.

“Open Road continues to work with young people in both pre-16 and post-16 age groups. Programmes for the new school year are in place and new students are being engaged.

“However, we still have places available for students in both motor vehicle and construction industry training and we would urge academies, parents and young people to get in touch to secure a placement.”

Open Road can be contacted by calling 01553 776600 or email: office@openroadtraining.co.uk