Published at 11:28, Tuesday, 25 September 2012

A WHITEHAVEN teenager has been chosen out of more than 700 hopefuls for an apprenticeship with Northern Gas Networks.

John-Paul Rushworth, 18, of Loop Road South, will be undergoing a combination of on-the-job training and college-based work in order to graduate as a first call operative – a front-line responder to gas leaks reported by the public to the national gas emergency number of 0800 111 999.

He is among 16 new starters who have been picked by Northern Gas Networks this year, after a region wide search for the cream of new engineering talent.

John-Paul said: “To say that I was rather excited when I heard I had been accepted onto the programme is an understatement. It’s a brilliant opportunity to develop an interesting career with decent pay, where no two days are the same. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

Gareth Bullen, head of Northern Gas Networks’ Academy programme, said: “Apprentices are essential to our business. We always need a new generation ready to pick up the baton when older colleagues retire. That way, knowledge and experience gets passed on, instead of being lost.

“We are delighted to continue to provide opportunities for engineering talent – especially at a time of high youth unemployment. The modern gas industry is a fantastic sector in which to build a career, and all our apprentices have exciting times ahead.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk