The LSC Tees Valley has confirmed it is extending its groundbreaking Young Apprenticeship initiative across the area.

Tenders to deliver the Young Apprenticeships are currently being accepted from learning providers from across the Tees Valley with the aim of the courses being available from September 2005.

Motivated GCSE students will then be able to work towards industry-specific vocational qualifications with employers and learning providers.

Through a blend of classroom delivery and on-the-job training in business sectors, students will be tutored by both college tutors and experienced employees.

By completing the two-year programme young people can achieve an NVQ level 2 qualification to supplement the GCSEs they are studying for at school.

Last year Hartlepool College of Further Education became the first college in the Tees Valley to be able to offer Young Apprenticeships. Twelve students from English Martyrs, High Tunstall and St Hild's in Hartlepool are currently working towards Young Apprenticeships and are set to undertake their first work placement in industry in the next few weeks.

The college's strong links with industry has helped secure placements for the young people, age between 14 and 15.

To ensure both the youngsters and businesses get best value out of the placements, the college has also instigated a comprehensive course of job competency training for the students, which makes sure they understand what is expected of them in the workplace.

Students work one day a week on placement in industry with one day every fourth week spent at the college.

The Young Apprenticeship is part of a new family of apprenticeships launched in 2004 by the LSC to work alongside the increased flexibility vocational GCSEs. It provides young people with the opportunity to start a particular career path while they are still at school, while still keeping other options through their GCSE studies.

Pam Eccles, executive director of Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley said: "The learning providers who offer Young Apprenticeships in the future will be influential in increasing the choices available to young people in the Tees Valley.

"Those young people searching for vocational learning will gain qualifications that relate to specific occupational sectors."

Michael Bretherick, deputy principal of Hartlepool College of Further Education said: "We have been pleased with the early development of the Young Apprenticeship programme and believe that it will be a great success for students across the whole Tees Valley."