A MINE owner in North Yorkshire is adding 10 engineering apprentices to its workforce this year.

Anglo American, the owner of the Woodsmith Project on the North Yorkshire coast, which employs 1,200 people, has 14 apprentices and plans to hire 50 more in coming years.

The four-year apprenticeship to train advanced engineering technicians will be run in partnership with TTE, part of Middlesbrough College.

It will focus on developing a sound knowledge of the electrical, mechanical and instrumentation engineering skills needed to maintain the mining equipment and infrastructure when the mine enters production later in the decade.

Gareth Williams, operational readiness director, said: "We’re delighted to be announcing this year’s programme and delivering on our commitments to provide opportunities for young people in the area.”

“The jobs that these apprenticeships will lead to will be essential to the successful day to day running of our world class mine."

The Woodsmith Project involves the sinking of two mineshafts into the polyhalite ore over a mile beneath the surface near Whitby, and the construction of a 23 mile long tunnel to a new processing and shipping facility on Teesside.

When the mine is complete, extracted polyhalite ore will be hoisted up the mineshaft and transported underground on a conveyor belt, avoiding any impact on the countryside above.

From there, it will be shipped around the world and sold to farmers as a natural low carbon fertiliser, certified for organic use.

Successful applicants will split their time between a specially provided classroom at the Woodsmith Mine, the Middlesbrough College workshop facility and remote learning for the first two years, before continuing the remaining two years in work-based training with Anglo American in preparation for long-term engineering technician roles in installation and maintenance.

Zoe Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive of TTE, part of the Middlesbrough College Group, said: “We are proud to partner with Anglo American to support the development of its apprenticeship programme for its polyhalite mine. The Woodsmith Project and its associated developments will form an essential part of the long-term economic prosperity of the region and create a skilled local workforce, which we are pleased to play a part in developing.”

Applicants should apply by 31 March. The company will host a webinar on Thursday 18 February at 5pm for those who want to find out more information and submit questions.

Visit http://uk.angloamerican.com/apprenticeships for further information.