STUDENTS who are being "rewarded" with iPods for choosing an educational course at Bournemouth College, are proving that they can last the distance - whatever their motives.

The college was criticised in some quarters for offering what some saw as bribes for 16 to 19-year-old students to complete the Step Up 4 Summer course.

Students were offered the £140 iPods on completion of their final dissertations, as well as £50 a week, free lunches and free travel.

The college was at the centre of a Radio Four programme The Lost Generation on Thursday and featured the course director, Sean Kelly.

He told the Daily Echo: "About 60 per cent of those who finish this course will go on to college or a training scheme.

"It keeps them in education and gives them an idea about what they want to do."

He said he is happy with the number of students who have lasted the distance - 46 out of 53 - just two weeks before the end of the 13-week course.

"The number of students who have lasted this far is comparable to other courses which have not offered the incentive," Mr Kelly added.

"The difference is that they are the only students around at this time of year so they have the chance to do things they would not otherwise be able to do.

"Many of them could be out there on the beach with their friends so I'm quite proud of them for getting this far.

"A lot of the students who started the course were quite able students, who may have dropped out of sixth form because they were doing the wrong courses.

"I would not categorise them as students who have struggled at school."

He added: "Among the students who dropped out, one was homeless and four have got jobs.

"Only three have disappeared without a trace.

"So I would be happy to repeat the process next year."

The course offers a mix of vocational modules including painting and decorating, hair and beauty, motor vehicle maintenance and team building.

It is funded by the government which aims to reduce the number of so-called "Neets" or Not in Education, Employment or Training youngsters by 50 per cent in the next five years.

One would-be Neet, Yusef Alkhaldi, 17, said: "I read about the course in the Daily Echo and thought it sounded good.

"It has helped me get to know the students and teachers at the college and how it works, which is good because I'm starting a painting and decorating course in September."

Jackie Newman, 18, said she sees the course as a stepping stone to a hospitality course.

"Two years ago I dropped out of college and then I decided to go back.

"You aren't just given an iPod, you have to work hard for it."

First published: August 29