Students at a Barrow school have had one of their classrooms converted into a workshop with the help of BAE Systems’ apprentices.

As part of their enrichment activities, four apprentices - one designer and three painters - helped transform the room at St Bernard’s Catholic High School in Rating Lane.

The new workshop-style set-up will be used to help provide education in science, technology, engineering and maths, known as STEM subjects, which are seeing an upturn in popularity.

Neil Doherty, BAE Systems’ corporate social responsibility management advisor, organised the project.

He said: “It took the team about a week to do the job and it was a useful enrichment activity, helping them see a project through from start to finish.

“The classroom was changed to look like a BAE Systems workshop.

“The school wanted to promote the transition from school to a work environment.

“As well as providing the labour we were able to provide advice about health and safety.”

Those working on the project were apprentice designer Molly Wernham and apprentice painters Anthony Criscuolo, Halle McGowan and Chris Fittes.

St Bernard’s business manager Maureen McKendry said: “It was great having the BAE apprentices in school.

“They listened to the school’s requirements then planned and fulfilled all expectations.

“They were a very committed group of people who had a great work ethic, working well together and with the school.

“This workshop will enhance the education of our students allowing them to become familiar with workshop layouts."