YOUNG people keen to play their part in their town's heritage-led regeneration are urged to attend a special apprentice evening.

Auckland Castle has joined forces with Bishop Auckland Castle to launch an apprenticeship academy with the aim of equipping youngsters with the expertise needed to capitalise on the £60m redevelopment of the former palace home of England’s only Prince Bishops.

Believed to be the first time an independently run heritage attraction and a college have teamed up in this way, the first Auckland Academy course gets underway on Monday, September 5.

The open evening on Tuesday, May 10, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, will provide an insight into the academy’s training programme and its plans to develop the next generation of Bishop Auckland workers.

The aim of the event is to catch Year 11 pupils before they start their GCSEs as well as school leavers, and explain how they may be able to take advantage of the expected 100 new full and part-time posts predicted to be generated by Auckland Castle restoration and expansion plans.

Camilla Race, Bishop Auckland College’s employment services manager, who is in charge of the new academy, said: “The Auckland Academy is set to make a significant contribution towards meeting the job opportunities that will become available at not just Auckland Castle but within the wider community as other businesses benefit from the developments.

“Students on the course will be able to test and widen their skills with sponsored placements.

“Not everyone who wins a place on the academy programme will be guaranteed a final job, but it will certainly give students a better chance of finding other skilled work and will set a benchmark for excellence.”

The Auckland Castle Trust which oversees the running of the castle, needs to fill a variety of jobs from horticulturists to business administrators, maintenance, events and promotions staff, trainee chefs, and customer service and hospitality workers.

Among those who will be taken on will be 34 apprentices over three years supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF.

Rebecca Coates, HR Director at the Auckland Castle Trust, added: “Bishop Auckland College and the Auckland Academy is a big part of not just our apprenticeship drive, but ensuring the talent we know is available in the town is nurtured for the benefit of all.

“We are delighted to have developed what will be a lasting partnership with Bishop Auckland College, a collaboration that recognises the need to bring new skills to the fore and invest in the next generation of workers.”