JAPANESE company Sanyo is hoping to leave a positive legacy behind despite closing its plant in County Durham with the loss of 284 jobs.

The company, which closed its microwave oven plant at Newton Aycliffe in 2001, has pumped £200,000 into a scheme to help young people find employment.

The modern apprenticeship programme it is backing could see scores of young people aged between 16 and 24 helped into work in the Sedgefield borough area.

The scheme is being run by the County Durham Development Company (CDDC) which is the business development arm of Durham County Council.

Employers who take on a modern apprentice will receive a grant for each year of their training, up to £2,000.

CDDC's director of marketing, Phil Eadon, said: "CDDC was responsible, together with other partners, in attracting Sanyo's microwave oven factory to Newton Aycliffe in 1988.

"Although the loss of their factory was a blow for the county, we have worked closely with Sanyo to create a positive legacy.

"We believe that the CDDC Modern Apprenticeship Recruitment Scheme can make a real difference, giving young people in this part of County Durham the opportunity to get a head start and take that important first step into employment."

Employers will work closely with local Learning and Skills Council accredited training providers.

Apprenticeships vary in length from 12 months to three-and-a-half years in a range of disciplines from office administration and engineering to warehousing and dental work.

Nik Grewer, business development advisor at Sedgefield Borough Business Service, said: "Sedgefield Borough has suffered a number of high profile job losses in recent years and this scheme provides a ray of hope for those looking to secure a firm foundation in a range of jobs."

For more information, log on to www.durham4business.biz

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