A group of unemployed young Dacorum residents have landed themselves year-long apprenticeships at the borough council.

The 15 apprentices will receive a mixture of on-the-job training and the opportunity to work towards nationally recognised qualifications, a Dacorum Borough Council spokesman has said.

Rose Campbell, whose apprenticeship is in the regeneration team, said, "At the end of this I will gain a nationally recognised qualification and experience of working full time in a professional organisation.

"I’m now a working mum gaining further education."

Mark Holliday, who will be working in the housing service, said: "The experience of this apprenticeship and gaining work experience with the council will mean that after my work placement concludes, I can pursue a career rather than just a job."

The council has worked with Job Centre Plus and West Herts College to recruit registered unemployed young people on 12 month fixed term contracts.

In addition to those taking up positions at the authority, one apprentice is based at the business advice line and a further three are hosted by local voluntary organisations.