Students in Newcastle quizzed business leaders about the skills they need to get a job.

Gateshead College youngsters met with employers at a two-day event as part of the college’s Work Ready campaign designed to tackle the area’s 10.4 per cent unemployment rate.

A-level student Tammy Farrer, aged 16, said: “This event has been a great introduction to the world of work.

“I now understand that employers are not just looking for academic achievements. They want to see evidence of other skills gained through, for example, voluntary work or a part-time job.”

Principal Judith Doyle said: “It’s vital that young people are better equipped with transferable skills and attributes that will help them find work.”