APPRENTICES working in the chemical industry on Teesside have all gained their first-year certificates.
The 12 apprentices, taking part in a scheme sponsored by companies including BASF, Dow, DuPontSA, Huntsman, Invista, SempCorp, Petroplus and Uniqema, are part of a new generation of technicians being trained in skills invaluable to the region's industry.
Modern, computer-operated control rooms in Teesside's chemical plants mean the technicians need to have both technical and practical skills.
George Ritchie, of SembCorp Utilities UK, who is co-ordinating the training scheme, said: "There's really little comparison between the requirements of an apprentice 15 years ago and those we need today.
"Highly trained, flexible workers aren't just something we all wish for. They're what we need in reality.
"The technician of today needs many of the skills of the process operator, fitter, electrician, instrument artificer and fabricator of the past - all rolled into one."
Anyone aged between 16 and 21 who wants to find out more about the apprenticeships can ring (01642) 462266.
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