A TEENAGER has become the 500th recruit to a scheme that offers youngsters their first step on the employment ladder.

Ashleigh Elliott, 18, from Billingham, near Stockton, has been enrolled on a business administration apprenticeship by her employer, Lockout Tagout Safety, in Stockton.

The business has been working closely with the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), which pledged to boost the number of apprentices in the region via a campaign to place five recruits per day. Figures for the scheme show that between August and November last year, the NECC exceeded its target by recruiting more than 500 apprentices; an average of six per day.

Miss Elliott said: “It is my first job, and I am settling into it well. My training advisor at NECC has been great and is a real support in helping to manage my development with Lockout Tagout.”

Managing director Ted Boynton said: “Ashleigh is a shining example of what young people can achieve given the right support, training and encouragement.”

For more information about NECC apprenticeships, call 0300 303 6322 or visit necc.