It could be a kitchen sink drama or it could be the foundations of a new career…hundreds of school pupils from the Ashfield area are being given the chance of trying out joinery skills.

Pupils from local secondary schools will be tasked with building kitchen units and cupboards from flat packs - with some assistance from joiners at Frank Haslam Milan (FHM), the specialist construction and regeneration firm.

The practical sessions will be part of the Ambitious in Ashfield 2011 event at Festival Hall Leisure Centre organised by Ashfield Council when local employers, schools and colleges will get together to promote careers to young people.

Jan Hodgett, FHM's training and development manager, said: "We thought it would be a brilliant idea to get the young people to try something practical like building kitchen base and wall units.

"The sessions are about letting young people know about the construction industry and the sorts of jobs they can do. Flat packs can be a challenge for many people - but this is a chance for them to have a go. In the past we have found that it's the girls who enjoy putting the units together from the flat pack.

"It's always a popular event - and it's good to get the young people thinking about the practical skills involved."

FHM, which is working with Ashfield Homes on maintenance and repairs on its properties across the area, will have a joiner and apprentice joiner on hand to assist the junior 'flat packers'.

The Ambitious in Ashfield event is in its fourth year. Local employers, colleges and schools are invited along to talk to school age children about what the future holds for them. Young entrepreneurs who have started their own businesses will also be there to take part in some enterprising activities.