A FORMER Rawtenstall student said it was strange calling his old teachers by their first names after going straight from the classroom to the staffroom. Jak Metcalfe, 18, from Haslingden, finished his A-Level and BTEC studies at Alder Grange’s Sixth Form, ag6, in June and is now a lab technician at the school. And the youngster said he still sometimes gets caught out by his quick transition. Jak said: “At first it was unusual to be calling teachers by their first names as I was so used to calling them Miss, Mrs or Mr – I still sometimes call them by their surnames through habit. “I also used to find it unusual when the students called me ‘sir’ but I’m getting used to it. “I feel extremely comfortable with my new work colleagues, who have been really supportive.” Jak studied A-Level English, business and biology alongside a BTEC in sport at the £8m sixth form, which opened in 2010. He said: “I was invited by the head of science and my biology teacher Mrs Tolley to work with the current lab technician during my free periods. “So, during my studies, I set out a few days a week to go into the labs and gain some experience. “After I had finished my exams, the lab technician had left so I gave up my free time to come into the lab. “At this point I was told about the job, I was interviewed, told I had the job and started in September this year.” Despite studying a mixture of A Levels and BTEC qualifications, Jak said he had settled quickly into his new scientific role. He said: “I am involved in a variety of laboratory-based investigations within biological, chemical, physical and life science areas. “I carry out sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing of results as part of a scientific team. “I also provide all the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively while adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.”