SIX new recruits have landed paid apprenticeships on the iconic Mersey Gateway project.

They will be working for Merseylink which is building the new six-lane tolled Mersey crossing.

Construction apprentices Kyle Craine and Ian Ratcliffe from Widnes, Martin Shaw from Runcorn and Sean Teeling from Warrington were appointed after completing a pre-employment course.

Louise Jones from Flintshire has started an accountancy apprenticeship and Daniel Jervis from Liverpool is embarking on a quantity surveying apprenticeship.

They will work alongside Merseylink's expert teams gaining valuable on-the-job training.

They will also spend time at college studying for recognised academic qualifications, which are accredited by the relevant industry bodies such as the Construction Industry Training Board and the Association of Accounting Technicians.

Kyle Crane, a general construction apprentice, said: "I'm really enjoying my time on the project so far.

“I've learnt a lot already about fencing, concreting and reinforced groundwork. I'm really thankful for the opportunity and hope to stay with Merseylink for the foreseeable future."

The apprenticeship scheme was set up by Merseylink to provide people access to work-based training opportunities.

So far 14 apprentices, including the six new starters, have joined the project in the areas of office-based administration, accountancy, IT, construction, traffic management and general trades.

Merseylink expects to recruit around 25 apprentices to complement the hundreds of permanent full-time jobs that will be created during the three-and-a-half year construction project.

Richard Walker, Project Director at Merseylink, said: "Our apprenticeship scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for people to gain the skills, knowledge and experience they need to secure future employment in their preferred area of work.

“I'm delighted to welcome our new apprentices to the project and wish them every success in their new roles."

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill, chairman of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said:"It's great to see more people from Halton and the surrounding area securing work on the Mersey Gateway Project. “Providing training and employment opportunities locally is a key ambition of this major construction scheme and apprenticeships are just one way of making this a reality.

“There will be many more jobs on offer as the project progresses and I'd encourage local people to get in touch with Merseylink to find out more."