TWO youngsters rocked by the closure of Redcar’s steel plant are back in work.

Cameron Owen and Lewis Mitchell, who were due to start their apprenticeships at SSI UK, now have new roles.

Mr Owen, 17, of Ormesby, near Middlesbrough, has been taken on by Lotte Chemical UK, as a science manufacturing technician.

Sixteen-year-old Mr Mitchell, of Redcar, is now at chemical firm Chemoxy International, working as a science industry maintenance technician.

The pair will both undertake three-year apprenticeships, matching on-the-job experience with their new employers with practical and theoretical work at TTE Technical Training Group, based in South Bank, near Middlesbrough.

The teenagers were also supported the SSI Task Force, which is using a £1.7m fund to encourage businesses to take on the steel firm’s 51 former apprentices.

TTE bosses say they have so far placed 40 of the 51 on their books, with all of the remaining first-year apprentices back in full-time training with the group while it works to secure new placements for them.

Amanda Skelton, Task Force chairwoman and chief executive of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said: “I’m pleased our local businesses have been so supportive.

“It’s key more individuals and companies come forward and take advantage of the funds the Task Force has to offer.”

For more information on the SSI funds available, visit www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk