Young job seekers are being given the chance of a place on a new apprenticeship programme launched by Northumbrian Water and offering one of the best packages in the country.

The £680,000 scheme announced today, guarantees a local job at the end of a successful four-year training programme with earnings starting at more than £10,977 and rising to more than £19,000.

Northumbrian Water will also put the electrician and fitter apprentices through an intensive driving course and unique training at both college and on the job - bespoke to the company and the water industry.

Initially twelve places are on offer for young people aged between 16 and 20 – eight to be based in the North East and four in Northumbrian Water’s Essex & Suffolk Water company.

Kevin Rowan, Northern Regional Secretary of the Trade Union Congress, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for young people in the North East to gain first class training from one of the region’s leading companies. Northumbrian Water are to be commended for their commitment, not only in developing and investing in an excellent apprentice training scheme but also for guaranteeing jobs to the successful candidates.”

Apprentices will start in September 2007 and will be based in the North East in Newcastle, Cramlington, Hexham, Washington, Darlington and Thornaby and Hanningfield and Lound in Essex & Suffolk.

They will study qualifications to ONC and NVQ level 3 – full time at college for the first year and then on day release for the remaining years alongside on-the-job real work experience.

New starters will also enjoy 23 days holiday, a range of flexible benefits, support from mentors and buddies and a comprehensive introduction to Northumbrian Water, a FTSE 250 company. Jobs are guaranteed to apprentices who successfully complete the programme.

Diane Morton, Northumbrian Water’s Director of Human Resources said: “This leading apprenticeship scheme is one of a number of important programmes within Northumbrian Water focussed on developing the skills of our people and providing them with recognition and accreditation.

“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 with a great company.”

Details for applicants are available on the web at www.tapintonwl.co.uk and the closing date is 21 March. The programme is being promoted to schools throughout the recruitment areas.