THE first pupils to enrol at the £22 million JCB Academy have been shown what awaits them when they start their studies later this year.

More than 80 young people from Staffordshire and Derbyshire have attended a series of induction days.

In September, the 14-year-olds will be the first Year 10 students to start the industry-orientated curriculum at the historic Grade-II listed Tutbury Mill, close to JCB's World Headquarters at Rocester.

Ultimately, a maximum of 540 young people will attend the academy.

The first batch took part in a range of activities, including building a speaker for an MP3 player, during the induction days. They also listened to a talk before going on a tour of the building. Principal Jim Wade said: "We hope they went away excited and with plenty of food for thought, and now look forward to them arriving back for the start of term in September."

For the first two years, pupils will study for diplomas in engineering and business as well as GCSEs in core subject such as maths, English and sciences.

The sixth form will offer 25 advanced engineering and 25 advanced business diploma places.

Around 30 vacancies are left for this September's inaugural term and there will be an open day on February 13 for prospective students.

For more information, call Diane Ross on 01889 593166 or email diane.ross@jcbacademy.com