A COUNCIL housing department is addressing a skills shortage in the building industry by taking on apprentices for the first time in 12 years.

The initiative, in Wear Valley, will offer a three-year apprenticeship to five trainees, who will be given instruction in crafts including bricklaying, joinery and gas fitting.

They will complete an NVQ Level II and may be offered permanent posts.

The district council has teamed up with Wear Valley Training and Carillion Craft Training, who will manage the course.

Council leader Councillor Olive Brown said: "I was very sad when the council discontinued employing apprentices with the introduction of competitive tendering. We are now in a position to offer worthwhile training with excellent job prospects to young people living in the area."

Deputy housing chairman Councillor Margaret Douthwaite said: "These apprentices are our investment in the future. After 12 years it is heartwarming to see the council be able to have apprentices again."

The first 14 weeks of the course will take place at Sunderland before the apprentices go on site for practical training.

Ray Douglas, head of property management, said: "A general lack of training both in the private and public sectors has resulted in a skills shortage in the building industry. There is a high demand for craftsmen and the prospects for these trainees in terms of a career are excellent."

CARAVAN THEFT: A £4,000 caravan was stolen from Low Job's Hill, in Crook, last week. The 18-foot twin-axle white Lunar Delta 500/6 contained a red and burgundy awning and went missing between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Anyone with information should contact Crook police station, telephone (01388) 762011.