A REPAIR and maintenance firm has created six apprenticeships to assist with its growth and provide opportunities for young people in the restoration sector

Darlington-based Stone Technical Services (STS) has recruited Curtis Mullholland and Thomas Dixon as apprentice steeplejacks, Zak Barron and Callum Griffiths join the lightning protection team and Lily Marriott-Todds has been taken on as an administration apprentice.

All six are also attending college studying for a range of qualifications, supported by STS.

STS works with a number of organisations, including Gateshead College, Historic England and the Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust, to provide opportunities for young people to enter the restoration and conservation sectors.

Dave Stone said: “We’re constantly aware of a skills-gap in the North East amongst young people after struggling to recruit skilled workers in the heritage, restoration, lightning protection and high-level maintenance sectors.

"We are therefore keen to create apprenticeships to provide opportunities and preserve important skills- after all, buildings will always need repairing. It’s a lifelong career with exceptional opportunities."

STS this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. Darlington brothers, Dave and Grahame Stone, established Stone Technical Services in 1998 and now have offices in Edinburgh city centre, near Stockport in Cheshire and in central London as well as their Darlington base.

The company has recently completed projects with St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Hall.