A Weston College apprentice was sent by her employers on an adventurous personal development course – an extreme sports scholarship in Tzaneen, South Africa.

Carla Spencer skydived 14,000 metres, jumped from a waterfall, took part in water sports, camped in Blyde Canyon, stroked a cheetah, held a scorpion and was kissed by an elephant.

The 18-year-old said: “The course was the most amazing experience. The sky dive and waterfall leap were terrifying but thrilling as well.

“We bathed in hot pools while baboons walked around us, went caving and visited an orphanage. It was a fantastic experience.”

Carla travels more than four hours every day to reach Alanbrookes in Wrington, North Somerset, where she has been an apprentice since September.

She attends Weston College to study as well and aims to become a qualified chartered accountant.

Carla said: “I decided against university because many friends who graduated could not find work. I don’t mind the travel and I love Weston College.”