An award-winning programme helping young people with work experience and career opportunities is set to be expanded.

This follows new funding from Nuclear Waste Services' Low-Level Waste Repository (LLWR) socio-economic fund for the Dream Placement scheme.

The initiative was jointly created over 10 years ago by the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP) and businesses.

It has since helped thousands of young people countywide connect with businesses and develop leadership skills.

The new funding means CforLP can now provide extra support and workshops for those in need.

The aim is to boost involvement and ensure fair opportunities for all young people.

CforLP executive director Sarah Glass said: "We have already begun identifying and engaging with groups of young people recognised by either their schools, college or youth groups as experiencing barriers to accessing development opportunities such as Dream Placement.

"The new longer-term strategic support means we can widen participation still further and provide fair access, by encouraging and supporting hard-to-reach groups of young people who may be reluctant to take part and have low levels of aspiration, perhaps believing the programme is 'not for them'."

The six-month leadership and development programme is open to all young people between the ages of 16 and 18.

There is no requirement for exam grades or CVs, removing barriers to participation.

The initiative is usually highly sought after, with around 200 applicants each year from West Cumbria and the county.

Schools, colleges, and youth groups are key in helping identify who would benefit from the programme.

Martin Walkingshaw, chief operating officer of Nuclear Waste Services, said: "After working with CforLP on various projects and seeing the success and quality of the Dream Placement programme, we are delighted to be involved in its widening participation.

"Over the years we have seen many young individuals who have been involved in Dream Placement being successful in gaining apprenticeships and joining the industry.

"To be able to widen this offer of early career experience to more students in the local area is an exciting prospect and we look forward to seeing the programme grow."