The stage is usually reserved for outgoing theatrical types but some shy students picked up some presentation skills at a one-day training workshops at a Kent venue.

Ten sixth formers from Skinners Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells treaded the boards at the town’s Assembly Hall Theatre in a session designed to improve their employability.

The Presenting Yourself workshop is set to become a regular feature at the venue, which set up the pilot scheme with AXA PPP healthcare.

Theatre director Brian McAteer said: “Following the success of the pilot scheme, we aim to roll this out to other secondary schools.

“Young people find it increasingly difficult to find work as there’s so much competition now for jobs, places on apprenticeship schemes and places at university.

“We would invite other local businesses to support this training as we are looking for additional partners.”

Skinners Kent Academy student Lucy Ellis said: “I am delighted to be a part of the pilot here at the Assembly Halls.

“I will be applying for university over the next year and want to be able to give the best possible account of myself in all situations and the skills I learned today enables me to do this in a fun yet reflective way.”