AN insurance broker is trying to tackle a skills shortage by putting students on the road to a professional career.

James Martin is the latest young recruit to join the team at BiB Insurance Brokers, in Darlington, as part of a schoolleaver scheme.

The 20-year-old, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, has been offered a full-time job early after completing less than half of a two-year in-house training scheme.

His appointment comes as the insurance trade has called on brokers and insurance companies to do more to attract the next generation of workers.

BiB has a strong relationship with Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, to take on students.

Mr Martin completed his leisure and recreation double Alevel at college before joining the firm, initially on a six-month contract.

He has undertaken 11 months of his training and is now a trainee corporate broker.

Mr Martin said: "Since last September, I've spent a few months in each department to learn about different aspects of the business. I've also started a Chartered Institute qualification.

"I did 20 weeks in the corporate team and got some positive feedback from my manager, who expressed an interest in keeping me.

"A lot of people coming out of college don't really know what they want to do. I would encourage them to do this sort of training.

It gets you into work, you're earning money and it's a great career to work your way up."

Denis Pinnegar, business development manager for BiB, said the company's schoolleaver scheme provided talented young people with career opportunities.