TWO teenagers are on the career path after landing apprenticeships with a leading global management, engineering and development consultancy.
Reece Morrison and Mark Robinson, both 16-year-olds, were hired by Mott MacDonald following an application process carried out by national training and recruitment provider Intraining North East.
While working at Mott MacDonald's Newcastle office, Reece and Mark will spend one day a week studying at Newcastle College, where they will match their on-the-job practice with classroom theory.
The apprenticeships could see them both qualified in professional roles after three years of hard work and study.
Reece, a building services apprentice, said: "My dad is in the same industry, so I have grown up around it. I feel extremely fortunate. I know how difficult it is at the moment for young people to get jobs, let alone good jobs, so I'm determined to work hard and be a success."
Mark has been hired as a civil engineering apprentice.
He said: "I know it will be a challenge, but I feel motivated and determined and I am ready for the hard work.
"The application process was quite tough, but it was worth it because I know there are great prospects here. My family is delighted."
Saeed Chaudry, head of Mott MacDonald's Newcastle office, said: "Apprenticeships are great for people who want to earn a living while learning and gaining work experience.
"We were looking for high quality, local candidates with an interest and understanding of engineering and a willingness to learn. They needed to be self-starters and enthusiastic, but they also needed to have an academic background."