A GROUP of teenage childcare students have been praised by the world’s biggest health and safety membership organisation for their work in promoting occupational safety to other young people.

The south coast branch of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) recently launched the Apprentices Safety Awards to encourage more trainees to demonstrate understanding of hazard and risk in the workplace.

It gave an award to trainees in childcare with FNTC Training, all of whom have little or no work experience behind them.

FNTC tutor Sian Morris said: “For many school leavers the task of getting a job is extremely problematic given that they don’t have the practical work experience that employers are looking for. Traineeships have been designed by the government to enable young people to understand important factors such as good timekeeping, team work, accepting instruction from line managers, etc.

“This IOSH award has also demonstrated that our learners have a mature approach to health and safety in the workplace.”

Charles Cole, regional representative for IOSH, presented the students with a certificate and a cheque for £100.