SCORES of North-East construction apprenticeships could be created in a building restoration scheme.

The Heritage Skills Apprenticeship Project has taken on six youngsters.

Bosses say they hope to extend the number to 40 in the next two years.

The programme, which works on pre-1919 buildings, is being piloted by Hartlepool Council in partnership with Tees Valley local authorities, Hartlepool College, Hartlepool Adult Education, Tees Valley Unlimited local enterprise partnership and trainer Heritage Craft Alliance.

Its six initial apprentices include 19-year-old Marcus Lloyd and Andrew Snowdon, 20, who are based at Hartlepool stonemason Borthwick Marble and Granite.

Their first project is on the restoration and transformation of the former HSBC building in Church Street, Hartlepool, which is being turned into luxury apartments and retail premises.

Fellow recruits Aaron Weldrake, 27, and 17-year-old Liam Parkinson are working at Middlesbrough builder Stick and Stone, with Alex Page, 20, at Fletcher Joinery, in Darlington.

John Ashurst, 18, is working at BJS Builders, based in Greatham, near Hartlepool.

The sextet all previously completed an eight-week introductory training programme in heritage skills, funded by Hartlepool Adult Education and delivered by Heritage Craft Alliance.

They are now working towards a level three heritage crafts qualification in traditional heritage and conservation building skills, such as masonry, timber roofing and carpentry.

Jamie Borthwick, managing director of Borthwick Marble and Granite, said: “This is a groundbreaking project.

“There is a considerable shortage of traditional craftspeople in the UK and this scheme gives firms like ourselves the opportunity to do our bit to help reverse that by training young people in much-needed heritage craft skills.”

Glenn Young, Heritage Craft Alliance director, added: “Over recent decades, the UK has lost traditional craftspeople at a massive rate and it’s vital for the future preservation of our heritage that they are replaced.

“This project is a win-win for everyone concerned and I very much hope more firms and organisations across the Tees Valley will come forward and take part.”

Earlier this week, The Northern Echo revealed Heritage was working with Peterlee-based One Awards to address national skills gaps through apprenticeships.