LESSONS in term time are all well and good. But when it comes to acting top class in the workplace, students can be left feeling bewildered and out of their depth.

The East Lancashire Education Business Partnership is a charity working to bridge that gap.

From a base in Clayton-le-Moors, a team of professionals work to encourage businesses to work more closely with schools in the area.

Now there are students jetting off to Europe on placements as well as their favourite football clubs and charities.

Phil Tomlin of the ELEBP said: "These placements are the ideal way for students to understand more about the basics of business from interviews, organisation and business skills as well as getting a taste of life beyond the school walls.

"We are very grateful for all the support of companies who are involved."

While many sixth form students plan to unwind in the sun after their A Levels, Richard Jackson, 17, is one politics enthusiast who has bigger plans.

After meeting Jacqueline Foster, Conservative MEP for the North West, at a Conservative conference in Hyndburn, he worked with the ELEBP to set up a placement in Belgium rather than Blackburn.

Now the Queen Elizabeth Grammar Pupil is preparing to spend a week with the European Parliament Transport Review team.

First the 17-year-old deputy head boy will tackle A Levels in Politics, English and Religious Studies this summer. He also hopes to secure a place at Hull University studying British Politics and Legislative Studies.

"I have been lucky enough to work with other politicians and thoroughly enjoyed it," said Richard. "Now I am being given the chance to see a very different side of politics and I hope this will help me towards achieving my ambition of becoming an MP."

Four students from St Christopher's CE school in Accrington and one pupil from Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar also took to Burnley Football Club for their two-week ELEBP placement.

Organised by Linda Duckworth in the Leisure and Community Services, the students worked with staff on a host of projects including breakfast clubs and school team coaching.

Linda said: "These work placements have been a huge success and all the students gain a lot from being part of the Clarets behind-the-scene team."

St Mary's sixth form student Jenna Beardsworth was offered a post-16 work experience with the Accrington charity, Maundy Relief Trust. She was the first student to take up the placement in this specialist field of helping to support people. Jenna said: "The work experience was excellent."