A pilot project has been started in Bradford to give newly-qualified tradesmen fresh hope of finding work.

Ten people have embarked on subsidised six-month apprenticeships in bricklaying, joinery and decorating through the Programme-led Apprenticeship scheme, the biggest project of its kind in Yorkshire.

The initiative has been started by Bradford Council’s Links 2 team, which has contributed £14,500, in partnership with Construction Skills, which has provided 30,000, and Accent Community Partnerships, which has taken on five apprentices.

The successful applicants will qualify after six months with a level two NVQ in bricklaying, painting and decorating, and joinery.

Josh Stott, 18, of Holme Wood, Bradford, was on the verge of joining the Army before the chance of an apprenticeship came up.

He said: “I’m lucky really. I had passed my fitness and medical tests for the Army and was going to join up because I had been struggling to find work.

“Then I heard about the apprenticeship and decided that was the better option.”

Julian Russell, acting assistant apprenticeships manager for Construction Skills, said: “When apprentices come on to site, they are not profitable to start with, so we give the employers the backing to get the apprentices up to speed.”

The apprenticeship positions are with Accent’s subcontractors, STG, Richardson Project, Jack Lunn, Milner Build and Bradford Youth Build Trust. The vacancies were aimed at those who have an Intermediate Construction Award.