A £680,000 apprenticeship programme for electrical and mechanical technicians has been launched by Northumberland Water this week.
Participants of the new scheme will undergo four years of training at the end of which they will be guaranteed a local job, with earnings from £11,000 to £19,000.
HR director at Northumbrian Water, Diane Morton, told Personneltoday.com: "We are delighted to be able to guarantee a local job for the electrical and mechanical technicians and give them special training and support to help them build their future career."
Kevin Rowan, northern regional secretary of the TUC, added: "Northumbrian Water is to be commended for its commitment, not only in developing and investing in an excellent apprentice training scheme, but also for guaranteeing jobs to the successful candidates."
There are 12 places available on the course - which will begin in September this year - for individuals between the ages of 16 and 20.
Personneltoday reports that the number of apprenticeships is at a record level, with more than 270,000 people gaining valuable skills and qualifications to make them more knowledgeable and effective in their jobs.