NEW jobs are heading to York as telecommunication giant BT announces plans to create 1,000 new apprenticeships and graduate jobs in the UK this year.

The new recruits to BT will consist of 700 apprenticeships and 300 graduate jobs, working in a range of areas, including software development, IT, engineering and digital technology in locations across the UK, including York and Leeds.

In addition to the new apprenticeships, BT also revealed it will be providing up to 1,000 vocational training and work experience placements for out of work youngsters in 2015/16, at training centres including Northallerton, in a bid to tackle youth unemployment.

A number of BT’s apprentices will also begin new Degree Apprenticeships, which start this September, allowing them to complete full Honours degrees, while working.

Tom Keeney, BT’s York-based regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "This announcement is great news for our region. It provides new opportunities for our young people, who are essential to the future success and prosperity of Yorkshire and the Humber.

"These are exciting times. Technology is developing at an astonishingly fast pace and the major, multi million pound investments currently taking place in superfast fibre broadband and other initiatives are changing for the better the way we live and work.

"Our new recruits will be at the heart of BT’s transformation as we make further advances in high-speed broadband, mobile, sport and digital television.

"As one of the largest private sector employers and investors, BT is committed to playing a leading role in the future success of Yorkshire and the Humber."

A third of the new apprentices will be recruited into BT's local network business, Openreach. The recruits will be focussed on extending the fibre network.

Careers ranging from business analysis to software development and technology consultancy will be available at BT, as part of the new Government and industry-backed scheme, which integrates degree level academic learning with practical on-the-job training.

Welcoming the announcement, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I’m delighted that BT is creating 1,000 new apprenticeships and graduate jobs.

"The announcement underlines BT’s commitment to training young people and gives them the security of a monthly pay packet and the chance of a better future."

Business Secretary, Cable, said: "These new apprenticeships from BT will give hundreds of young people and adults the chance to begin a successful career at one of the country’s leading employers.

"Apprenticeships are a fast-track route in to the workplace, and can take you almost anywhere, even offering the chance to gain a degree on the job."