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The benefits of apprenticeships were highlighted by the Mayor when she met trainees in South Tyneside this week.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Pat Hay and Mayoress, Jean Copp visited South Tyneside Homes - the company which manages, maintains and improves council homes and estates on behalf of Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

During their visit to STH offices at Middlefields Industrial Estate, they received a presentation by Gary Kirsop, one of the company's directors, about its apprenticeship programmes and activities as well as talked to current apprentices and trainees.

The visit was just one of a series of events taking place this week as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

The Mayor said: "Apprenticeships are a great way for people to earn while they learn. Apprentices not only get hands on experience and receive mentoring from those in the field. They gain qualifications and valuable job-specific skills that set them off on a successful career path.

"It was wonderful to meet the apprentices and trainees this week and see how much they gain and achieve through programmes like those offered by South Tyneside Homes."

Gary Kirsop, Director of Asset and Property Services at South Tyneside Homes, said: "As a company we are a great advocate of apprenticeships and traineeships and recognise that the individuals are the future of our company and the borough." 

For further information about apprenticeships visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/apprenticeships