FIVE teenagers have secured jobs after being among the first to complete a Childcare Foundation Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship is part of a scheme introduced by the Early Years National Training Organisation and funded by the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley.

Kelly Clarke, 19, Sian Hodgson, 17, Satvir Singh, 17, Kendra Pickering, 18, and Sam Brown, 19, are the first of a group of nine apprentices from City Centre Training, in Teesside, to gain childcare jobs after completing a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship programme.

Sam, 19, from Stockton, has secured supply work at the town's North Tees Day Nursery where she worked on placement during her apprenticeship.

Kelly, from Loftus, enjoyed a placement at Rosedene After School, in Marske, during the course and is now working there.

Kendra, from Middlesbrough, completed her placement at Acklam Day Nursery, in Middlesbrough, and is working for the Select Education agency.

Sian, from Brotton, completed the programme during her placement at Play Station After School, which is part of Saint Joseph's RC School in Loftus. She now works at the Dots and Spots Day Nursery, in Skelton.

Satvir, from Middlesbrough, is working at Breckon Hill Children's Centre, in Middlesbrough.

Pam Eccles, executive director with the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley, said: "Apprenticeships work for employers, and the childcare programme is the perfect example of how training companies can provide businesses with highly motivated, well trained young people."