STUDENTS wanting to get into the world of work that little bit sooner have been rewarded for their efforts.

Hundreds of students came together for an award ceremony at Swindon's Citifaith church yesterday evening to see friends get rewarded for their hard work.

Around 40 students received certificates of merit for outstanding efforts in their chosen subjects.

Among them was 16-year-old Daniel Hearn from Park South, who goes to both Kingsdown School and Swindon College.

He took the prize for the most improved part-time student for his work in motor vehicle repair.

He said: "It's fantastic to be doing a course that I wouldn't get to do at school, "I've learnt a great deal, and I know it will help me to get a job or apprenticeship in the future.

"And its great to get my hands dirty as well."

Fellow student Scott Elmore, 16 from Wootton Bassett, took the prize for the most improved full-time student at the college.

He goes to college two days a week, but doesn't go to school.

He says his course in bricklaying has given him a new slant on education.

"It's a big shock for me getting the award tonight," said Scott.

"Going to college has been brilliant, I have learnt a new skill and I know that is going to definitely help me when it comes to getting a job in the future."

Also getting an award was full-time New College student Sam Kitching, 16, from Park North, Swindon.

She is studying information computer technology, English at AS level and sociology at college, having given up with school.

She said: "I couldn't get on with school life, and if I didn't have the opportunity to do these courses, I don't know what I would be doing.

"These college course are fantastic. They are more informal, it's a better atmosphere for me, and it has helped me to learn more than I had done before."

Hundreds of teenagers have enrolled on such courses at Swindon College and New College since links with local schools were forged six years ago.

Lynne Scragg, the co-ordinator of the 14 to 16 Partnership, said the scheme had gone from strength to strength.

She said: "It's wonderful to be celebrating the success of these hard-working students.

"Many of them are extremely motivated, encouraged by the fact they know that at least once a week they are studying a subject that will put them in good stead for the world of work."