A TRAINEE plumber cannot find a job or get an apprenticeship despite sending off nearly 100 applications.

There was a desperate demand for plumbers a few years ago - doctors and lawyers even gave up their jobs to get their hands dirty unblocking kitchen sinks.

But Mark Robson, aged 28, of Cannon Street, off London Road, Worcester, says job opportunities have dried up.

Mr Robson works up to 55 hours a week fitting heating systems and boilers for Bosch, based in Warndon Villages, Wor-cester, to pay for his evening college course, an NVQ level two in plumbing. The course takes two years and runs at Worces-ter College of Technology.

He is frustrated modern apprenticeships that are only available to people aged between 16 and 24. He said: "It's a shame the Government doesn't do more to give more mature students the same opportunities. Lecturers did explain to me that the marketplace for plumbers is pretty difficult.

"Once the course is finished there is nothing more I can do."

Mr Robson has sent off 50 CVs and 93 application letters but has not yet received the offer of an apprenticeship.

Before deciding to re-train as a plumber, he worked at Morganite Crucibles making crucible pots. He chose to retrain because he wanted a trade, liked the work and was looking forward to the possible earnings of between £20,000 and £40,000 a year. However, he needs at least a year of experience as an apprentice before he can earn that sort of money.

A Chamber of Com-merce Herefordshire and Worcestershire spokes-man said plumbing was still very lucrative. "We believe plumbing is still lucrative - especially with the Government's housebuilding initiatives."

Worcester MP Mike Foster said the NVQ Mr Robson was studying for was already partly funded by the Government.

"Lots have people have taken up lucrative trades such as plumbing but the demand has now reduced a little bit. I'm sure once employees see the commitment shown by Mr Robson he will easily get a placement."