Students at a Barrow school went back after summer to find one of their classrooms had been converted into a workshop with the help of BAE Systems' apprentices.

As part of their enrichment activities, four apprentices - one designer and three painters - helped transform the room at St Bernard's Catholic High School in Rating Lane.

The new workshop-style set-up will be used to help provide education in science, technology, engineering and maths, known as STEM subjects, which are seeing an upturn in popularity.

Neil Doherty, BAE Systems' corporate social responsibility management advisor, organised the project.

He said: "It took the team about a week to do the job and it was a useful enrichment activity, helping them see a project through from start to finish.

"The classroom was changed to look like a BAE Systems workshop.

"The school wanted to promote the transition from school to a work environment.

"As well as providing the labour we were able to provide advice about health and safety."

Those working on the project were apprentice designer Molly Wernham and apprentice painters Anthony Criscuolo, Halle McGowan and Chris Fittes.

Molly, a former St Bernard’s School pupil who left two years ago, said: "It was nice to go back there and be able to give something back.

"Working on something not related to submarines meant it was quite different for me."

St Bernard’s business manager Maureen McKendry said: “It was great having the BAE apprentices in school.

"They listened to the school’s requirements then planned and fulfilled all expectations.

"They were a very committed group of people who had a great work ethic, working well together and with the school.

"This workshop will enhance the education of our students allowing them to become familiar with workshop layouts.

"St Bernard’s is delighted to be able to support the ongoing learning of people in the workplace as well.”

The St Bernard’s application was one of many requests for assistance received by BAE Systems' Community Investment Panel.

Each request is judged against the company's corporate guidelines, with educational benefit being one of the criteria actively encouraged.