ABOUT 20 engineering apprentice posts will be created in a new scheme.

Durham County Council says it wants to get more youngsters aged between 16 and 24 working in Newton Aycliffe and Middridge, both in County Durham.

In the last two years, the council's apprenticeship programme has helped more than 300 people find work.

That includes three apprentices at hydraulic adaptor company Samwon Tech, in Newton Aycliffe, which was supported by the County Durham Apprenticeship Programme, funded by Durham County Council.

This local scheme is being funded by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Area Action Partnership (GAMP) and the neighbourhood budget of the late Durham County Councillor Enid Paylor.

Brian Riley, GAMP co-ordinator, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for both business and young people trying to get into the world of work.

“It is partnership working for the benefit of the local community and helping young people get on the employment ladder and assisting local businesses during this difficult economic period.”

Garry Quickfall, Samwon Tech managing director, added: “All of our apprentices have settled in really well and are getting great experience as well as studying to get business qualifications.

“It is really good to be part of the community and recruit young people who may be finding it difficult to get work.”