Fifteen new apprentices have started their training with West Lothian Council.

The new recruits will be spread across the council's Housing, Construction and Building Services and Operational Services. There are four Horticultural Apprentices, three electricians, one plumber, one joiner, two roofers, two painters and two plasterers.

The new batch will take the total number of apprentices working for the council to 81.

The new apprentices are: Oran McGhie, Martin Barr, Steven Park, Douglas Dowling, Alasdair Binnie, Craig Forbes, Mark Rodgers, Jamie Edwards, Ross Leadbetter, Jordan Balic, Andrew O?Hara, Dominic Clare, Liam Hardie, Christopher Bon and Daniel Campbell.

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George Paul, Executive councillor for Services for the Community, added: "West Lothian Council has a proud tradition in providing career opportunities to local people, via our apprenticeship programme.

"The recruits go through an excellent training programme which includes attendance at local colleges. They also get hands on experience working alongside our skilled trades people who help ensure that the new apprentices develop strong, practical on the job training in combination with the theory practice.

"This apprenticeship programme is vitally important for young people, especially given the current economic climate. The council is committed to helping young people gain training and employment opportunities and we are absolutely delighted to welcome the new generation of apprentices."

(CD)