A DRUGS firm is launching an apprenticeship scheme to find workers for its next generation of medicines.

GlaxoSmithKline, which runs a factory in Barnard Castle, County Durham, wants school and college leavers for its three-year programme.

Officials say youngsters will have the opportunity to study towards a foundation degree in applied chemical science technology and have the potential to investigate and write protocols for equipment and run project meetings.

Barnard Castle will be one of just five GlaxoSmithKline sites across the UK and Ireland to offer the scheme.

Earlier this year, The Northern Echo exclusively revealed the 1,400-job Barnard Castle plant will oversee work to cut newborn baby deaths.

The business has developed the Umbipro gel to tackle umbilical cord-related fatalities in Africa and Asia, which bosses say could save more than 420,000 lives over five years.

Using the antiseptic chlorhexidine, found in GlaxoSmithKline’s Corsodyl mouthwash, the gel, endorsed by the European Medicines Agency, is expected to replace practices and traditions in Africa and Asia when the umbilical cord is cut, which include placing ash and dung on wounds to encourage healing.

The business expects to make at least six million sachets at Barnard Castle.

Applications for GlaxoSmithKline’s apprenticeship scheme close in August.

For more information, visit gsk.com/apprenticeships