A NORTH-EAST organisation has stepped in to help launch ten local youngsters on the road to a career in sports and leisure.

When the Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation heard that Tees Active, the operator of sports centres across Stockton Borough, was struggling to provide funding to take on new apprentices, they stepped in to help with a 10,000 donation.

The ten apprentices have now been recruited to work in leisure, fitness and business administration, supporting the 1.7million visitors to Billingham Forum, Splash, Thornaby Pavilion, Thornaby Pool and Teesside White Water Course.

Andy Preston, Chairman of the Foundation, said that Government funding for apprenticeships is weighted towards private sector employers so Tees Active, which receives funding from Stockton Council, does not qualify for a full package of financial support.

"We were delighted to step in and fill the gap," said Andy. "The Foundation strongly support apprenticeships and is very active in uniting the private and public sectors to do great things in Teesside, but the Government apprenticeships scheme has its weaknesses."

More than 100 local 18-24 year olds applied for the ten vacancies, which demonstrates the local demand for apprentices said Tees Active Managing Director Steve Chaytor.

"This is a great opportunity for these young people to join a successful and expanding company in the leisure sector. As a social enterprise, we are keen to recruit local talent and develop them into valuable staff members," said Mr Chaytor.

The programme, which is also supported by Stockton Council, Tees Achieve and Lifetime Training Group, will lead to NVQ qualifications, valuable practical experience and additional opportunities including lifeguard and first aid training for the ten youngsters.