UNEMPLOYED youngsters are being given the chance to gain a foot on the ladder in the health service.

A number of jobless people have already gained permanent posts at Hartlepool General Hospital, thanks to a scheme of three-year modern apprenticeships at the hospital.

Under the project, which is backed by the North Hartlepool Partnership, up to six young people from the partnership area are taken on each year, to gain in-depth experience and training in areas including customer care, administration and catering.

The six places have been created for a two-year accelerated apprenticeship at the hospital, focusing on customer care, but also providing experience of a wide range of other areas. One of the vacancies is for a library assistant.

Anyone interested in applying should contact project officer John Brown, on (01429) 284086.