AS exam results come out this week Hambleton District Council is urging youngsters to consider an apprenticeship.

The authority’s apprentice scheme provides grant aid to small Hambleton based businesses to help create new opportunities for 16 to 24 year olds living in the Hambleton area.

It was launched in 2012 and has so far helped 163 apprentices – in a variety of roles including accounting technician, heavy vehicle service and dentistry.

Eighteen year old Jack Gill from Northallerton is one of the newest apprentices - he started his apprenticeship in January with Aquatic Finatic, near Northallerton.

After a year of studying in sixth form Jack decided that he would like to make a career in business marketing.

He was already working at Aquatic Finatic at the weekends when they offered him the post of apprentice marketing manager/retail assistant studying digital marketing at Middlesbrough College.

Lin Fitch-Peyton, owner of Aquatic Finatic, said: “There are so many benefits of employing an apprentice.

"You can train them to meet the specific needs of the business, whilst giving them the opportunity to study, gain experience and qualifications.

"Jack is the second apprentice I have employed at Aquatic Finatic.”

For more information on the Hambleton scheme, visit hambleton.gov.uk or contact Roz Caligari on Roz.caligari@hambleton.gov.uk or 01609-767058.