COMPANY bosses Ian and Stuart Wallace were so impressed with the youngsters they took on as trainees that they offered them all jobs.

More than half the current workforce at their business, Middleton Forge, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, started out as placements at the company.

The business, which specialises in steel fabrication, including railings and gates, turned to Modern Apprenticeships, organised through Teesdale Training and The Learning and Skills Council for County Durham.

Stuart Wallace said: "We have been extremely lucky in getting some excellent lads so, as we have expanded, the jobs have been there for them. We've been taking trainees for about 12 years and Teesdale Training has been 100 per cent dedicated and does a really good job as well."

Dale Hutchinson, 16, joined the forge when he left school this year, having already done some work experience with the company. Now on a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship, he has a paid job with one day a week off to work towards an NVQ qualification in engineering production.

He said: "I'm really pleased to have a job in my local area and also be given the time to do my training, because I know the qualifications will make a big difference to my future. I'm enjoying my work, because we are not only in the workshop, but are given the chance to go out on-site as well so that we can see the finished product."

The Learning and Skills Council offers work-based training and apprenticeships in more than 80 different careers. For details contact (01325) 372301.