WORCESTER-based Yamazaki Mazak is offering work placements to students as it supports initiatives that promote engineering as a career.

One scheme is the Young Apprenticeship Programme, taught in the Midlands through the ContinU Trust in secondary schools in Wyre Forest and at New College, Bromsgrove.

The programme is aimed at 14 to 16-year-olds and offers an alternative route through GCSE level education. The first five students to complete the nine week placement gained important hands-on experience in a variety of different departments.

Managers and experienced staff who worked alongside the young engineers reported genuine enthusiasm and a real understanding of the work they were undertaking.

Dr Damien Cleugh, European marketing manager for Mazak, said: “Schemes like the Young Apprenticeship Programme in engineering are of great importance to Mazak. We recruit new apprentices every year and these courses offer potential candidates a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical work, which can be a real advantage when looking to secure employment.”

Yamazaki Mazak, the world’s leading manufacturer of machine tools for industry, is currently recruiting its latest intake of apprentices, who will start work in September. Many of the students who complete a work experience placement through the Young Apprenticeship Scheme will be applying for these positions.

Your Worcester News is backing a just-launched campaign to find jobs for local youngsters facing record youth unemployment levels.

It has teamed up with the National Apprenticeship Service and several key organisations with the aim of creating 100 apprenticeships in local businesses within 100 days.

The 100 in 100 campaign is also be backed by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire County Council and Skills for Security. Together, they hope to encourage employers, learning providers and partners to influence the business community to increase the number of apprenticeship vacancies and raise the profile of apprenticeships for individuals.

Worcester News editor Peter John said: “One in five young people are unemployed and facing tough times trying to find work.

“Apprenticeships are a key way of tackling this issue by giving school-leavers a start on the work ladder. We are delighted that we can do something practical to help tackle the problem with this campaign.”

To find out more about how apprenticeships can benefit your business, contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150600 or visit apprenticeships.org.uk or worcesternews.co.uk/100.