PUPILS from local schools were invited to experience BCoT’s courses first-hand at a range of taster days.

The sessions allowed more than 1,500 prospective students to get hands-on with a range of options, from automotive to hair and beauty.

During each taster day, students were able to try subjects ranging from designing a video game in computer science to gaining practical experience in the college’s Salon Evolve.

Things began to heat up in The Restaurant with pupils trying their hand at making (and then eating!) pizzas.

In the college’s STEM Academy (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) students were able to sample a selection of interactive activities from the engineering and automotive industry, as well as handling the animals in the animal house and exploring the world of forensic and the applied sciences.

The schools which took part were Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College, Fort Hill Community School, The Vyne Community School, Brighton Hill Community School, The Costello School and Aldworth School, all in Basingstoke, The Hurst Community College in Baughurst, Testbourne Community School in Whitchurch, The Clere School in Burghclere, Perins School in Alresford and, for the first time, Fernhill School in Farnborough.

One of the students who attended a taster day from The Costello School said: “I really enjoyed my subjects and the tutors were friendly and supportive.”