SIX young apprentices are helping solve a skills shortage in the construction industry.

Aaron Morris, Harriet Beverley and Dale Smith will start a plumbing apprenticeship with Coast and Country Housing, while Neil Bishop has chosen bricklaying as his preferred subject.

Carley Chan is an apprentice buyer and Kenny Lowe a trainee estimator and surveyor for the company.

If successful, the six will achieve a City & Guilds qualification and will be trained to NVQ Level 3.

The apprenticeships will last for at least three years, after which Coast and Country Housing could offer them full-time employment if they have gained their qualifications.

Coast and Country Housing received more than 600 applications for the six positions, which became available after existing trainees completed apprenticeships this year.

Out of 600 applicants, 400 were interviewed and assessed, including on maths and English, problem-solving and psychometric tests.

Successful applicant Harriet Beverley said: "There seems to be a shortage of females in the construction industry, but choosing this career path does not worry me in the slightest.

"The apprenticeship will provide an excellent grounding for a career within the industry and, if I do well, an opportunity to gain employment at the end of it."

Mike Craggs, of Coast and Country Housing, said: "Our aim is to equip people with the skills necessary to benefit local employers, including ourselves."