A group of excluded students gained an insight into the workplace at a special discussion day.

A dozen students from the Ashtead Youth Project took part in the informal discussion day which was organised by volunteers from specialist contractor and developer United House.

The students taking part were 13 to 15 year olds, who had all been excluded from mainstream education.

Most of them had recently finished GCSE coursework and were preparing for interviews to gain a place at college or on other training courses.

Lyn Isted, community development manager for United House, said: “The Ashtead Youth Project provided a useful opportunity for local students to ask questions and seek advice about their future career plans in a relaxed atmosphere.

"At the start of the day the students were rather shy and apprehensive but by the end of the discussion they were enthusiastic and engaged and a real improvement had been made.”

Several of the students attending the discussion were interested in a career in plumbing or electrics.

Peter Hornblower, a young plumber working for subcontractor TDF Builders at the Mole Valley project, talked to the students about the route he took into the trade and the training he had completed.

Paul Antino, an electrician from United House subcontractor NRT Electrics, gave some detailed advice on the qualifications and training needed to become an electrician. He also offered the youngsters guidance on what employers are looking for in young trainees in the field.

United House is working on the Mole Valley Decent Homes project, refurbishing social housing in the area, in partnership with Mole Valley Housing Association.

They gave the students advice on communication, presentation and interview skills to prepare them for the future.