Students across Sussex will be careering into the future with chart toppers Robbie Williams, Gerri Halliwell and Tom Jones.

To get the message across that training at work towards vocational qualifications is becoming an increasingly popular route for school-leavers, Sussex Enterprise is organising a county-wide tour by the CragRats Theatre Company.

Throughout this month, the cast of professional actors is taking a look at the learning and training opportunities available after leaving school, introducing post-16 options including National Vocational Qualifications, Foundation Modern Apprenticeships and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships as well as A/S Levels, A2s and courses at sixth form or college.

The tour, a combination of music, including using hits from the chart toppers, dance and drama, is being backed by Sussex Careers Service and VT Careers Services.

George Gilvear, director of employment skills at Sussex Enterprise, said: "School-leavers have many options open to them once they have taken their GCSEs.

"Work-based training can channel people's enthusiasm for starting a career and provide a structured set of skills and qualifications to help them meet their goals."

People up to the age of 24 with GCSE passes can join a modern apprenticeship scheme.

Modern apprentices study for NVQs, varying from GCSE to degree entry-level equivalent, and gain practical experience of the world of work at the same time.

In Sussex 6,000 people are already participating in the scheme in more than 30 different occupational areas.

Details are available from Sussex Enterprise on 0845 67 888 67.