AN undergraduate programme at the company looking to build a billion pound potash mine in North Yorkshire has seen four local students gain industry experience and a fifth secure a job.

Andy Campbell from Eastfield in Scarborough, and Aaron Furness-Law from Norton, both studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hull, have been on an eight week placement at Hatfield Colliery near Doncaster.

Mr Campbell, who gained a place on the York Potash scheme after spending four years working at Morrisons, said: "I have had an amazing experience this summer getting a real taste of what it’s like working in a mine."

In addition to a paid summer placement, the undergraduate programme provides each student with a bursary worth £3,000 a year and a chance of a job with York Potash after their studies have finished.

Caroline Wilkinson, formerly of Whitby, who is studying Environmental Geography at York University, has spent her placement at the leading environmental consultancy Royal Haskoning DHV, while Amy Watkin from Scarborough, has joined the company’s geology team during her summer break.

Asher Haynes from Newby in Scarborough is the first student on the programme to graduate, having gained a degree in geology from Durham University, and has now been given a full time position at York Potash.

York Potash is preparing a planning application for a billion pound mine at Sneaton, near Whitby, where it will mine potash minerals to be sold a plant fertilisers.