A TEESSIDE electrical training company is to start training apprentices.

Allied Training Solutions in Redcar, which currently delivers courses to 240 electricians a year, will in future offer fully-funded electrical apprenticeships to 16 to 24-year-olds.

The company, based at South Tees Business Centre, carries out various refresher and safety training courses for qualified electricians and was started two years ago by lifelong electrician Phil Pallent.

Now it is going to train apprentices after receiving undisclosed financial support from from the SFA (Skills Funding Agency) and advice from the Redcar Enterprise Team.

Mr Pallent said: “This is an expansion of the business and we’re hoping it’s one that will lead to even bigger growth within the next two years.

“We deliver courses to around 240 electricians a year and we believe we can double, if not triple, that figure by delivering training to apprentices.

“We’re in discussion with several companies about training their apprentices on block release, where the trainees come in for two or three weeks at a time rather than day release."

Redcar Enterprise Team has business coaches to help identify areas businesses can expand and also helps find ways to cut business costs.

For more information about the Redcar Enterprise Team go to www.theenterpriseteam.co.uk or call 01642 495707.