West Lothian firm John Heaney (Electrical) has brought in two new apprentices as it continues to give young people opportunities to carve out a career in the industry.

David Wilson (17) from Whitburn, and 20-year-old Lee Jack, who comes from Livingston, have both started four-year electrical apprenticeships with the company after coming through a rigorous selection process which saw over 40 applicants express an interest.

Martin Menzies, JHE apprentice mentor, said: "To have over 40 people apply for the places shows the kind of interest which is out there and that is great to see.

"It's important that as a company, we do what we can to give young people a help onto the first step of the employment ladder. Lee and David did well across the whole interview process and are deserving of their opportunities.

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"Once they get a foot in the door, it's up to them to make the most of the opportunity and JHE will encourage and develop them as much as we can during their time with us."

A former pupil of St Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn, David is hoping to keep the trade in the family.

"My grandad and dad are both electricians so it is something I have always wanted to do," he said.

"JHE are well known in the area for being a good business to work for and I'm delighted to have this opportunity. I used to see the vans driving about all the time and now I'm in one!"

For Lee, joining the electrical, mechanical and HVAC firm marks a change in direction having spent the last few years in the construction industry with Brewster Brothers and most recently Gordon Bow Plant Hire.

"I was a transport executive in my last job, scheduling the delivery of aggregates. It was enjoyable but when I got this opportunity, it was something I could really see myself doing as a career," he said.

"It's exciting to be here and I'm really looking forward to learning as much as I can. There is so much variety to this kind of job, and that's what appealed. The guys here are easy to talk to and always willing to help."