A training company has joined forces with the leading national provider for electrical and heating and plumbing apprenticeships.

PHX Training has teamed up with apprenticeship provider JTL to run a 12-week course, which will help young people aged from 16 to 24 years get the skills needed for work.

It is also designed to develop their English and maths, as well as enhancing their basic employability skills including CV writing, interview techniques, timekeeping and teamwork.

PHX Training will be delivering classroom-based activity at their training centre, on Victoria Place in Carlisle.

The nearby JTL Carlisle training facility will be providing practical sessions.

PHX Training will also be helping to organise four-week work placements.

The course is available for people with little or no previous work experience and will start on April 14.

John Cramphorn, business manager at JTL, said: “This new partnership is a fantastic opportunity for young people to obtain significant work experience in a valuable trade, whilst gaining life skills that could help them progress onto an apprenticeship.

“Learners will for the first time have the opportunity to learn from two different training providers, who will be working together to prepare them for the realities of the construction industry, helping them progress into young adults ready for the world of employment.

"This in turn will benefit local businesses by creating more job-ready apprentices.”

Helen Macnaughton, business manager at PHX Training, said: “Taking the first step into work can be tricky, particularly for people who haven’t gained any previous work experience or for people who didn’t learn well in a school environment.

“Alongside JTL, we have developed a traineeship which is designed around the learner. Along with basic employment skills we will also help them find work placements that are relevant, with a view to helping them find a job they can enjoy and excel at.”