SUPERMARKET Sainbury's is to launch a bakery apprenticeship scheme in the region to tackle a looming skills shortage.

The 18-month programme has been developed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council, Skillsmart Retail, and will provide trainees with a retail apprenticeship specialising in bakery.

Ten Sainsbury's stores in the region will pilot the scheme, each recruiting a trainee by the end of the month. The group hopes to extend the programme across the UK next year.

Project manager Julia Read said: "We have recognised that the number of skilled bakers is sharply declining and, in response, we are launching this dedicated initiative to attract people back into the trade and hone the skills of our future bakers.

"The Sainsbury's Bakery Apprenticeship Scheme is a great opportunity for young people to develop a career in retail and underlines our commitment to giving people a better start in life."

The scheme, aimed at people aged between 16 and 24, will be piloted at stores in Darlington, Durham, Sunderland, Scarborough, in North Yorkshire, Team Valley, Washington, on Wearside, Stockton, on Teesside, Heaton, in Newcastle, and Whitley Bay, North Tyneside.

Ms Read said: "We're extremely proud to be the first supermarket to offer an apprenticeship with a craft and to be working so closely with Skillsmart Retail in order to deliver a qualification that really meets our business needs."

Details of the scheme will be available in the stores.