THE Food and Environment Research Agency, has created 21 new apprenticeship places as part of the York Apprenticeship Challenge.

The new places take the challenge beyond the halfway point in the mission to create 100 new apprenticeship placements in 100 days.

The campaign has been launched by The Press in conjunction with City of York Council, the National Apprenticeship Service and other partners.

Now the Sand Hutton-based research facility has taken the total number to 61 new apprenticeship places created in 34 days.

The two-year apprenticeships at Fera will offer young people an NVQ Level 3 qualification in laboratory and associated technical activities, plus a competitive salary, work experience, an on-site tutor, and training in the core skills required by the agency.

Adrian Belton, chief executive of Fera, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking for a future in science as these interesting hands-on posts will give you a broad range of skills and knowledge from across our different teams.

“Our site at Sand Hutton has great facilities including a gym, staff restaurant and information centre. Because we are recruiting so many apprentices, we have been able to allocate a dedicated tutor who will be available on site so our apprentices won’t have to travel to York for training.”

Rob Gardiner, head of science at York College, said: “It’s a privilege to support this initiative by Fera and raise the profile of apprenticeships in the science sector.

“Apprenticeships are an opportunity for young people to progress and achieve qualifications with a work-based context.”

Fera will also be launching a second round of apprenticeships in August.

To apply for one of these opportunities, visit apprenticeships.org.uk and click “search for vacancies”.