A FITNESS and physiotherapy practice has hailed the impact of its first ever apprentice.

Platinum Physiotherapy and Personal Training, in Coxhoe, east Durham, took on Jack Duffy last year.

Bosses say the 20-year-old, who has completed an advanced apprenticeship in business administration, is responsible for the administration side of classes and programmes.

Mr Duffy said: “I’m delighted I made the choice to join Platinum and follow the apprenticeship route.

“It’s quite a tough world out there for young people and finding a job is definitely not easy, so I feel really lucky.

“Before starting at Platinum, I was studying at college towards my accountancy qualifications.

“However, I had very little work experience so I started interning at various places trying to build up my workplace skills.

“An apprenticeship seemed like the perfect thing for me as I really wanted to work and earn money at the same time.”

Mr Duffy was recruited with support from Access Training, which has offices in Chester-le-Street and Gateshead.

His line manager, physiotherapist Neil Sleeman, said he proved so successful that the firm has now taken on fellow apprentice Abigail Pirt.

Mr Sleeman added: “Jack is such a fast learner, and with Access’ help he has developed into an outstanding employee.

“We decided to go down the apprenticeship route because we were desperate for more admin support, but we wanted something that could combine the needs of the business with the needs of a young worker.”

Platinum develops training plans work with the body, reduce pain and stop it recurring.