THE SEARCH IS ON FOR 30 NEW APPRENTICES IN YORKSHIRE

Morrison has begun its hunt for its 2012 Leeds and Rotherham apprentices. Working in partnership with CITB-ConstructionSkills, Morrison has created 30 new placements, which will be awarded this summer, for local people living in the Leeds or Rotherham areas.

The apprentices will all work on Morrison's social housing repairs and refurbishment contracts in Leeds or Rotherham. The available apprenticeships are in Maintenance Operations, as well as a select number of specific trade disciplines.

Applicants for apprenticeships will be invited to register with CITB-ConstructionSkills, which will support and guide them through the application process.

Chris Wood, Account Director for Morrison Leeds, said: "With job opportunities continuing to be scarce we are really pleased to be able to offer 20 placements this year. Apprenticeships offer a great opportunity for people of any age, gender or background to start a career from scratch with all the skills they need for a successful future.

Andy Wilson, Account Director, Morrison Rotherham, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people in Rotherham to access an apprenticeship with a national company, which will offer them the chance to gain the skills they need for a lifelong career in the sector. Morrison is passionate about training and ensuring the repairs and maintenance sector has the right skills and people it needs for the future. This apprenticeship programme will play a significant role in helping us to achieve that aim here in Rotherham."

Russell Buckley, regional delivery manager for CITB-ConstructionSkills in Yorkshire and the Humber, commented: "We are working closely with Morrison to help ensure that new talent is being bought into the industry. We need to ensure that we avoid a future skills gap in the construction industry and are committed to delivering the right skills for economic growth both locally and nationally.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for people in Leeds and Rotherham to enter the sector and work within their local communities on a daily basis. Morrison is committed to creating local employment and applications from local people will be awarded special priority."

Morrison currently employs 48 apprentices across Yorkshire and the Humber. In partnership with CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for the construction industry, the new apprenticeships will receive training at Morrison's Yorkshire Academy in Rotherham.

Applicants can register their interest by sending their CV to Morrison Academy, C/O Full Circle Learning, Unit K, The Crofts, Quarry Hill, Rotherham, S60 2DN or sally.r@fullcirclelearning.co.uk. Vacancies are open until June, but applicants are urged to apply early.