EAGER young apprentices have embarked upon an exciting new scheme to learn a trade with the help of Southampton City Council.

Twelve young men, aged 16 to 19, were welcomed on to their new apprenticeships by Southampton City Council chief executive Brad Roynon and Cllr Paul Russell, Cabinet member for housing.

The scheme has been set up by the council to encourage young people to learn trades like plastering, carpentry, plumbing, gas installation and electrics.

Although the council has been running apprenticeships for some time it decided to open up the forum to school leavers this year.

Seventeen-year-old David Cameron, of Pilgrim Place, Mansbridge, has proved himself worthy of a place.

He said: "I went to college but I was bored there. I wanted to do something with my hands and this scheme seemed really well-run so I decided to go for it."

Apprentices will gain "on the job" experience working in the council's housing department and study at college until they are fully qualified in in three or four years.

Cllr Russell said: "By investing in these young people we can 'grow our own' tradespeople."