Jacobs Engineering Group could be involved in the plan by nine schools to link up with businesses to run affairs outside local authority control.

But trust opponents are furious that the firm is a 'strategic partner' at Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), based in Aldermaston, Berkshire, which manufactures atomic warheads for the Ministry of Defence.

Jacobs could also become a major future player at AWE's Berkshire facility, as it is one of two US firms bidding for a one-third stake.

A trust prospectus published this week, as part of the latest round of consultations, said Jacobs' Leeds-based subsidiary would help students pursue careers in the engineering industry.

The Yorkshire strand of the firm builds roads and bridges and carries out environmental inspections.

And the Express understands 'ethical checks' were carried out on all proposed trust members by Leeds Metropolitan University, which would also be a member.

But a parent, who asked not to be named, said: "I don't want my child to go on work experience in a company who make their money from making nuclear bombs, and I dread to think what sort of problem-solving exercises they might be given."

Pressure group The Campaign Against Trust Schools, formed by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), has called a public meeting on Tuesday, June 24 at Ossett Town Hall, 7pm.

Sally Kincaid, local secretary for the NUT said: "Many people are opposed to nuclear weapons on principal and yet this company would have an equal influence over the education of our pupils as Wakefield Council."

Martin Shevill, headteacher at Ossett School, said: "Leeds Metropolitan University carried out full ethical checks. The NUT has had the opportunity to talk to us about this for the past 12 months and they haven't. The trust is a great opportunity for the children of Ossett."

Computer equipment supplier VdotCOM, Leeds Metropolitan University and Wakefield Council would also become trust members.

Textiles firm Burmatex, Liverpool John Moores University and Neils Larsen Sports Equipment would operate as partners of the trust.

Last year, US firm Bearing Point was dropped as a partner in Wakefield's Aspire Trust, which involves Horbury High School, Outwood Grange College and City High School. It had emerged the firm was involved in George Bush's election campaign and was involved in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Both Leeds Metropolitan University and Jacobs Engineering Group were unable to comment.

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