Last updated at 12:04, Tuesday, 14 August 2012

MORE than 500 youngsters applied for apprenticeships with an energy company operating in Barrow.

MIKE ASTELL

Centrica Energy has taken its tally of apprentices up to 50 with the impending recruitment of five new trainees at its Barrow gas terminal operations.

The intake follows an oversubscribed recruitment process, which saw more than 500 applications submitted. The company ran an assessment centre course for 50 applicants, a number which was then whittled down to 16 who were given interviews and five are now set to receive offers of employment.

The successful applicants are all aged between 16 and 18 and will start their courses at Furness College on September 5.

The scheme lasts four years and before the apprentices start they get to choose which type of engineering they will focus on, including choices in control and instrumentation, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering.

The first year is spent full-time at college, gaining certificates in performance engineering and health and safety, while the second year sees the apprentices spend one day and one night at college, coupled with on-the-job training. Skills are further developed in the third year and by their final year, the apprentices are earning salaries of £18,500.

After the four-year apprenticeship scheme, the new recruits are given the choice of working for Centrica full-time or continuing their studies while being sponsored by Centrica.

Mike Astell, Centrica Energy’s regional director for the East Irish Sea, said: “We’re proud to be able to create new jobs and support the local economy during these challenging economic times.

“Our apprenticeship scheme offers a valuable balance of academic study and real on the job experience and provides opportunities that are second to none.

“As we look to grow production in the coming years, this is an exciting time for the next group of apprentices to be joining us.”

The East Irish Sea is home to the North and South Morecambe gas fields which are among the largest gas fields in the UK, contributing a significant portion of the UK’s gas supply.

First published at 11:55, Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk