YOUNG people are to be given the chance to forge careers in IT through a new apprentice scheme.

Durham County Council set up the Apprentice Training Academy for young people aged 16 to 24 to spend a year with the authority's ICT teams.

The young people will then spend a year in the industry while also going to college to study for an NVQ in ICT.

Phil Jackman, head of ICT services at the council, said: “Schemes such as this are vital to provide our young people with an opportunity to progress and have successful careers in the North-East.

“The digital economy in the region continues to grow along with our reputation for excellence in this sector.

“The success of this scheme however is dependent on support from local businesses willing to offer these young people a chance to prove themselves.

“In return we hope businesses will see this as an opportunity to nurture home grown talent and combat the digital skills gap.”

A pilot scheme has involved six apprentices, including Carl Davis who is spending a year at St Cuthbert’s Hospice and is being supported by Durham IT consultancy Waterstons.

He said: “The ATA has given me a fantastic opportunity to start a career in IT.

“Working and training with the Waterstons team is giving me a standard of customer service and expertise to aim for.

“Now I’m working at the hospice, I’m really enjoying the hands on experience of real life IT work, but with the reassurance of support, whenever I need it, by the professionals at Waterstons.”

Any businesses interested in taking on an apprentice through the scheme should email ICT-Apprentices@durham.gov.uk or phone 03000 260562.