STUDENT plumbers have been assured that there are still opportunities in the trade.

At a talk by British Gas, students at Darlington College were told they had a “great chance” of going into full-time employment.

Thirty-three teenagers on the Level 2 course took part in the event.

Mr Paul Freeman, a former pupil of Longfield School, in Darlington, who is now the Northern area heating manager for British Gas, spoke to the group. He was joined by former British Gas apprentices Sarah Owen and Jason Sinclair, who told students how they managed to get a foot on the career ladder.

Mr Freeman said: “By doing this course, you are picking up a qualification and knowledge of the disciplines we are looking for. You all have a great chance to go on and get jobs.”

College plumbing tutor Alan Heseltine said: “There has been a lot of concern that there are no jobs available for young people wanting to get into the trade.

“Hopefully, hearing about the opportunities that are available with a company like British Gas will have really inspired them.”