A RECRUITMENT scheme has had a significant impact since its introduction, helping 20 young people on to the employment ladder in six months.

Earlier this year, the County Durham Development Company (CDDC) invited the Sedgefield Borough Business Service (SBBS) to join forces in a grant scheme.

Making good use of a gift of £200,000 from Sanyo Electric of Japan, secured by CDDC, the Modern Apprenticeship Recruitment Scheme (Mars) was developed to encourage enterprises located in the Sedgefield borough to employ 16 to 24-year-olds under a recognised programme.

John Russell, business services officer at CDDC, said: "Although the loss of its factory was a blow for the county, we worked closely with Sanyo to create a positive legacy.

"We believe that the Modern Apprenticeship Recruitment Scheme can make a real difference, giving young people in this part of County Durham a real head start."

Apprenticeships vary in length from 12 months to three-and-a half years.

The range of disciplines taken up has been particularly encouraging, as has the fact that the scheme has attracted as many female as male applicants.

Whitworth Hall Country Park Hotel, near Spennymoor, has taken advantage of the fact that Mars offers employers a grant for each year of the training programme, up to a maximum of £2,000, to give an opportunity to Ricky Gardiner, from Brandon.

Ricky, aged 17, said: "I'm finding the Modern Apprenticeship programme a really useful way to gain experience in a real working environment. My time at Whitworth Hall is giving me excellent training and a firm foundation for a career."

To find out more information about Mars visit www.sbbs.org.uk or www.durham4business.biz.

To find out more about individual Modern Apprenticeship programmes, talk to a local training provider or visit www.realworkrealpay.info.