AN engineering firm is helping nurture a generation of new North-East talent after recruiting four apprentices at its Teesside factory.

ElringKlinger GB has taken on apprentices Joe Harrison, 17, Liam Beadnall, 19, and Jonathan Langley and Liam Campbell, both 18, as it continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping bridge the engineering skills gap in the region.

Managing director of the Redcar- based company Ian Malcolm said: “The engineering skills shortage in the youth market continues to be a worrying issue and I echo the recent comments made by inventor Sir James Dyson that more must be done to protect the future of manufacturing in Britain – the sector has a lot to offer and is an exciting and rewarding career path.

“However, despite the Government’s pledge to work closely with the industry and support engineering at all levels, it is clear that not enough is being done to promote this to younger audiences.”

With help from Teesside training provider TTE Technical Training Group and Hartlepool College, the engineering firm has carried out a thorough interview and recruitment process to select the four young recruits who are all from the Middlesbrough area.

The firm has also recently taken on two former apprentices, Richard Danks and Jack Sedgewick, both 20 and both from Middlesbrough, as full time trainee maintenance technicians following two-year placements.

Jack said: “I have already crossed paths with a few of the new apprentices and my advice to them is to work hard and learn from those around you.

“This is an opportunity to work with some of the most skilled and experienced professionals in the industry, so they should be sure to make the most of it.”