MORE than 40 jobs have been created in a partnership between the NHS and a North-East college.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Darlington Hospital and University Hospital Durham, have taken on their first 40 apprentices after partnering Derwentside College.

Bosses say recruits will work across healthcare, business administration and ward housekeeping.

They added a further seven roles will soon be filled.

Mike Wright, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s executive director of nursing, said: “These are the first apprenticeships we have ever had and they’ve proved to be a fantastic way of injecting young blood into the trust.

“It’s brilliant we can provide such significant and meaningful training opportunities for young people and give them a real insight into working life while helping develop their skills.

“This was a first for us and we’ve been so impressed with the apprentices.

“As the quality of candidates has been so high, we anticipate recruiting even more in the future.”

Susan Errington, executive director of business development for Derwentside College, based in Consett, County Durham, added: “We are passionate about supporting our learners find jobs and delighted 40 young people have been able to take advantage of these apprenticeships.

“Our partnership with County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust is a perfect example of how we build strong, long-lasting relationships with employers.”