Making the transition from school to the workplace can be a hard one.

But Curtis Franklin is as prepared as he can get.

Thanks to the Stem programme (science, technology, engineering and maths) the 16-year-old has already experienced life in the workplace – and been accepted on to an apprenticeship when he finishes school this year.

Curtis, who is in Year 11 at Harwich and Dovercourt High School, says: “I found the Stem programme really useful.

“It has given me confidence talking to people, taught me how to communicate during interviews, take notes and what it’s like to go to work.”

The programme focuses on promoting science, technology, engineering and maths and puts schools in touch with local businesspeople, which act as mentors to pupils taking part.

Curtis, who been learning about resistant materials at school, says: “It was good to speak to people who actually work in these areas because they were able to give us pointers on what to do to get a job in their industry.

“I also did some work experience with a plumber and a kitchen manufacturer and I have been accepted on to a plumbing apprenticeship starting in September.”

Mark Cherry, joint head of design and technology which runs the resistant materials subject, says: “I want to thank Fiona Marriage at Stem for all her help and support in offering this programme to our students.

“It has enabled us to build relationships with local businesses.”

Paul Dewing, managing director at GCS Alarms in Clacton, was one mentor who gave his time to Dovercourt and Harwich High School. He says: “The whole aspect of Stem is to show students you don’t just have to be academically brilliant to be able to get on in life.

“It’s also about being hands-on and understanding how to put science, maths, technology and engineering into practice.”