Eight teenage students from Manchester Communication Academy recently completed the first stage of the Future Entrepreneurship Partnership at HMG Paints Ltd (www.hmgpaint.com) in Collyhurst.

The 14- and 15-year-olds visited the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of industrial paints on a weekly basis to learn about the industry and gain valuable business experience.

The programme began in September 2013, with 100 Academy students applying for this opportunity. After a rigorous three-month selection process, eight were chosen. In January this year, they began working in various departments, learning about sales, marketing, R&D, and formulating paint colours. Mentored closely by HMG employees, they have since undertaken a wide range of projects.

In September, all eight students will return to HMG Paints — again on a weekly basis — for the second phase of their partnership, working in pairs on new projects.

John Falder, managing director of HMG and president of the British Coatings Federation, said: “The first stage of the partnership has been a complete success.”

Steve Taylor at Manchester Communication Academy said: “The project has been fantastic for the students, as it has allowed them to take their classroom skills into workplace scenarios; it has also helped inform their decisions about a future career.”