BARKER and Stonehouse is recruiting two new apprentices to mark National Apprentice Week.

Apprentices at the family-run furniture retailer, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, are completing year-long roles in warehousing and sales, with the firm also looking to employ an administration apprentice at its head office on Teesside Retail Park and a warehouse apprentice at its site in Eggborough, West Yorkshire.

Lewis Coulam, 19, and Matthew Douglas, 21, both from Middlesbrough, are working at the firm's warehouse in the town while completing their NVQ level 2 in warehousing.

Under the guidance of warehouse managers Mark Jinks and Graham Harbisher, Lewis and Matthew are developing planning and coordination skills and implementing them in a real life work environment.

Mark says: “Both apprentices are very diligent and interested in learning. Now in its third consecutive year, the company’s apprenticeship programme continues to go from strength to strength, with eight previous trainees now employed in permanent full-time positions with the business.

James Barker, the firm's managing director, said: “The scheme enables our staff to pass their expertise and knowledge onto the next generation of workers, throughout all areas of the business.

“It provides a fantastic opportunity to give young people the skills and opportunities they need when starting out in their career.”

This week is National Apprenticeship Week, which is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

To find out about more about Barker and Stonehouse’s apprenticeship scheme visit www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk or call 01642 230988.