YOUNG people are to be given the opportunity to start a career in engineering under a pioneering scheme by Thames Water.

The water company is looking to recruit people in Swindon for a hands-on programme which will last six months. If after that period they have been successful there is a chance the candidates could land a permanent job.

During training recruits will be paid a salary of £6,250 and will be tested during the process.

Recognising the wealth of talent among the unemployed, Thames Water is seeking recent school or college leavers with little or no employment background or qualifications but who are motivated, willing to learn and keen to use their own initiative.

The scheme is the first of its kind in the water industry and is being introduced to help combat a skills gap looming in the industry.

Many experienced engineers are coming up to retirement and too few have entered the profession.

Thames Water human resources director Janet Burr said: “We’re proud to be the first water company to offer traineeships.

“It’s well known there’s a skills gap on the horizon in engineering and a number of our more experienced employees are due to retire in the coming years.

“It’s important we plan ahead and nurture as many new and enthusiastic young people as we can.”

“We’re looking for those young people who have left school without qualifications but have something to offer in a practical environment, and a passion for engineering. If that sounds like you then please get in touch as we’d love to hear from you.”

A total of 45 places are up for grabs across the Thames Water region. The first wave of 15 trainees will be working at waste water treatment sites from mid-January, with one based at Swindon sewage works. Opportunities in clean water treatment and network engineering will be available next spring.

Recruits will brush up maths, English and ICT knowledge, and receive CV writing support.

Anyone interested should call Thames Water on 01189 520106 or email traineeships@thames water.co.uk by November 23.

An information session will be held at Swindon Job Centre Plus between 10.30am and 1.30pm on Monday, November 24.