TTE Technical Training Group has recorded the biggest intake of students in its 15-year history.
More than 150 learners from across the Tees Valley have embarked on TTE's eight apprenticeship programmes at its Centre of Vocational Excellence in South Bank, Middlesbrough.
TTE said it received two applications for each place on the programmes, which are designed to support the engineering, oil and gas, manufacturing, process and chemical industries.
Among the employers already committed to sponsoring students from the start of their training are Corus and Cleveland Potash.
Keith Leslie, apprenticeship business director at TTE Technical Training Group, said: "Not only have we been impressed by the number of applications we have had for this year's intake, the calibre of students is also very high.
"Employers are recognising the importance of apprenticeships and there are a growing number that are keen supporters of our programmes.
"These students will become the backbone of the workforce in the Tees Valley in the future, which is an exciting prospect for industry employers across the region."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article