EIGHT construction apprentices have started on the road to new careers with Bradford-based social housing provider Incommunities.

The recruits, aged between 16 and 25, will work as electricians, plumbers, joiners, a plasterer and painter and decorator. They bring Incommunities' total number of apprentices up to 23.

Delroy Beverley, Director of Incommunities – Propertysolutions, said: “A growing number of young people are turning to apprenticeships as their career of choice and we are delighted with the quality of our latest recruits.

“We firmly believe in recruiting talented and motivated people from across our communities and I am really encouraged to see two more young women join our apprenticeship ranks. In the last five years the number of female apprentices has increased by 276 per cent.

“Each new starter will benefit from some of the best training available anywhere which includes a very supportive work environment.”

Bethany Huddleston and Carl Oates (electricians), Ryan Kay and Alexander Kehoe (plumbers), Karline Symes and Gavin Wilkinson (joiners), Jordan Kitching (plasterer) and Stuart Yates (painter and decorator) are the apprentices.

Karline, of Bierley, said: "I am really excited about starting my apprenticeship with Incommunities.”

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities chief executive, said: “Apprenticeships are at the heart of our business and contribute to developing a diverse, multi-skilled workforce.

“With youth unemployment in the city running at nearly eight per cent we firmly believe it is more important than ever that local employers give young people a chance and invest in this form of training.

“I wish all our new starters all the best as they take their first steps towards careers in an exciting sector.”