A Black Country college has been selected as the only one in the region to offer a scheme aimed at raising skill levels for army recruits. Stourbridge College will offer the Army FE Bursary Scheme when it is launched in September.

It will give youngsters interested in joining the army a chance to learn a trade before their full military career. Students will join the army, but get a chance to request the bursary option. Although they will study at the college full-time for 12-months they will still be in the forces.

Candidates taking up the scheme will be able to enrol on a full-time one-year course, receive £2,000 financial support and receive a job offer at the end.

Students will get £300 on acceptance to the scheme, £700 on completion of a level-two qualification and £1,000 on commencing full army training after completion of the bursary scheme.

Courses are being offered in a number of vocations as part of the scheme including construction, health and care, building services, information technology and business administration.

Candidates can also choose from retail studies, travel and tourism, public services, sport and leisure, languages and the creative industries, such as music, performance and art.

An army mentoring service, to get students used to military life, will also be in place throughout the course as part of the scheme.

Candidates can apply via the Army Careers Service on 01902 420340.

Stourbridge College spokeswoman Sally Gilbert said: “The scheme is to allow youngsters joining the army to first gain more experience in other skills.

“Previously many have signed at the age of 16 and have no other learning experience than being at school. This will give them a chance to learn a skill or trade across a more varied range while still joining the army.”