The start of National Apprenticeship Week will see specialist lender Black & White Bridging launch its own trainee programme.

The Wick-based firm says it is working with Bristol-based skills body Professional Apprenticeships and has already taken on two trainees and is interviewing to take on a third this month.

The new recruits will work in each of its administration, underwriting, sales and marketing departments and then be chosen to join an area that best suits their talents.

The company says it wants to attract young people in and around the Bath and Bristol area who prefer to start work, rather than go to university.

Black & White Bridging commercial director Damien Druce says: “With our roots in the Bath and Bristol area we want to support our local economy, give young people a route into the finance world and train them in all aspects of our business.

“National Apprenticeship Week’s theme this year is about building the future and that is exactly what we are setting out to do with our apprentices.

“Not only do we gain from having enthusiastic young starters, who are keen to learn but they also join us with no preconceptions and are therefore open to learning and adopting our culture of transparency in everything we do.”

Professional Apprenticeships director Carina Bush adds: “The relationship with Black & White has been very fruitful. They have a very clear plan for our apprentices, not only for their future work prospects but also their welfare.”

The 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week runs from 7 to 13 February, and includes over 1,200 virtual and in-person events taking place across England designed to showcase the impact of apprenticeships.