OUT of work teenagers had a chance to see how a music track is made with a MOBO award winning artist yesterday.

Sixteen youngsters from Edgware, Colindale and Edmonton visited the Mill Hill Music Complex in Bunns Lane to meet Pat Leacock, who won the award in 1998 as part of the Jazz Steppers.

The teenagers are part of the First Rung programme, based in Colindale and Edmonton, which has formed links with the newly formed Sound Skool project.

Tina Chauhan, a communication advisor from First Rung, said: “What we do is try and give young people who aren't in education or employment a chance to develop their skills.

“We work with them in things like English and Maths, as well as giving them taster sessions like this one ad set them up with work experience.

“Some of them may not be the best at school or college or struggle in large groups, so we give more focussed attention. We want to build their confidence up so they can achieve what they want to.”

As part of the day-long session the youngsters had a chance to try their hand at DJing and MCing, as well as singing.

Pat Leacock said: “I've been working with First Rung for about five years and we really wanted to get some sort of musical offering, so this has been ideal.

“I've created a track this morning and they're going to have a go at rapping and singing lyrics they wrote in a session earlier this week over it.

“They get to see what music's about, how it's created and how the process works, it's going to be a really good experience for them.”

Zoe Lally, 17, of Great Cambridge Road, Edmonton, started with First Rung a week ago and wants to become a primary school teacher.

She said: “I've gained so much confidence already. There's no way I could have gone in and sung in front of people I'd never met before, but I already feel better about myself.

“I was in college before but we were in much bigger classes. It's really helping with my maths and English already, I find it a lot easier to concentrate and they help to give me career advice.”

Yossi Abecasis, 19, of Broadhurst Avenue, Edgware, started with First Rung in January having been out of education and employment since moving to the UK from Gibraltar three years ago.

He said: “I've been working with other charities for three years but haven't got anywhere. I've now done my level one childcare qualifications and I'm starting my level two, which is great.

“I never really had a lot of help before this, but they have really helped me. Today has been great fun and we've had a go at things I've never tried before.”