Astins to take on 30 apprentices in 2009

Specialist fit-out firm Astins is looking to hire up to 30 apprentices this year to be trained in its new £1m training centre - the Astins Institute.

The £25m-a-year turnover firm said it is particularly interested in hiring young women in their teens and early twenties, as the Institute starts its first women-only course in dry lining.

All 30 apprentices are expected to take up jobs at the firm at the end of their two-year programme of salaried work, training and work experience and there are plans to boost the intake to 50 by 2010.

At the end of the course each apprentice will have an NVQ II qualification and experience in all areas of internal construction and fit-out.

Rebecca Caroe of the Astins Institute, said: "Times are tough at the moment. Jobs are hard to find. Especially for young people. But the Astins Institute is launching with some good news for a change. We are engaged on a big recruitment drive.

"We are particularly interested in reaching out to young women. The UK construction industry is riddled with sexism. Its record in the employment of women is embarrassing. Astins believes this has to change if the construction industry is to develop to its full potential."