THE North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has published a book to inspire young people and employers to consider apprenticeships.

Apprentice Greats features 200 North-East leaders who began their career as apprentices.

It features Nissan's Kevin Fitzpatrick, who started as a mechanical engineering technician and is now vice president of the Sunderland firm's UK manufacturing operations. Other bosses featured in the book who began their careers on the shop floor include Phil Handley at Caterpillar; Darchem's Billy Meijer; Caraline Robinson at Husqvarna UK, and Brian Manning of Esh Group.

Former civil engineering technician Mr Manning, said: "My apprenticeship gave me the chance to work on sites across the North-East from day one, and this, alongside day release at college, gave me a great understanding of the construction industry.

"Today, Esh Group has around 80 apprentices across the business, from construction trades to administration and finance. These apprentices are essential to future-proofing the business."

We have copies of Apprentice Greats to give away. To win a copy please answer the following question: How old is the NECC?

Email your answer to steven.hugill@nne.co.uk, or send it to Business Desk, The Northern Echo, PO Box 14, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF.