Tool and equipment hire chain HSS Hire has launched an apprentice scheme to offer young people a practical post-school option and up-skill a new generation of fitters and technical engineers.
The fully-funded three-year Advanced Apprenticeship includes mentored on-the-job training as well as structured residential study sessions, and culminates in NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in plant maintenance.

The scheme, launched two weeks ago, has already recruited 20 apprentices and is offered at HSS supercentre locations across the country.

HSS head of HR Annie Hale said: "We firmly believe in helping to provide careers rather than just jobs and we're big on supporting the development of our colleagues."

She added: "Our apprentices will get one of the industry's most generous apprenticeship salary and benefits packages; they'll benefit from working alongside our experienced team of fitters and they'll attend fully-funded formal study sessions in order to gain a professional qualification. And of course, if they successfully complete the course, we'll guarantee them a permanent position at the end of their apprenticeship."