Hundreds of students have entered a competition that could kick start the career of their dreams. 

More than 200 teenagers across Cumbria have applied to take part in this year's Dream Placement challenge.

The competition will see talented youngsters go head-to-head to win a placement at some of the county's leading organisations. 

Organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance, the scheme unites some of Cumbria's brightest and boldest students with some of the county's most progressive companies to provide young people with enviable opportunities to launch a successful career. 

The Centre for Leadership Performance has been visiting schools, colleges and businesses across the county to ensure a strong cohort of participants for next year's event.

To win the opportunity to spend a week at a pioneering firm, successful students must fight off competition in a number of stages that will test the mettle of the most talented teenagers. 

The candidates will first be whittled down to just 100 students who will meet potential host companies at a selection day, which will see them deliver Dragons' Den Style pitches about why they should be considered.

Those selected will then take part in development workshops and activities which are specifically designed to help prepare the students to take up their placements. 

In February half-term, the students will then spend the week with their host companies to learn more about how the businesses operate and the opportunities that available to them within that industry. 

Some of the companies involved in the process are The North West Evening Mail, GSK, Sellafield, Gen2, Nugeneration, Cumbria Community Foundation, NHS Foundation Trust and James Fisher Nuclear.

Sharon Nixon, project manager for the Centre for Leadership Performance, is delighted with this year's response. 

She said: “We are now in our third year of Dream Placement and 2016 is even bigger and better with more opportunities for more young people to really find out what Cumbrian business leaders do. 

"The programme offers students a unique opportunity and demonstrates their determination to forge good careers. 

"The creativity and commitment of the companies and organisations taking part in engaging with the next generation of leaders is truly inspiring.”

Centre for Leadership Performance business development manager Sarah Glass, added: “By working with local businesses Dream Placement offers students an insight into the breath of fantastic opportunities here in Cumbria and shows them what they can aspire to in leadership roles across the county. 

"It also helps businesses to connect with their next generation of leaders, giving them the opportunity to showcase their business and forge on-going relationships.”