A YOUNG plumbing student says the Forest is in dire need of apprenticeships if the next generation is to get on.

Zak Darby, 18, of Yorkley, recently achieved a Level Two City and Guilds qualification in plumbing and says that in the last 18 months he has contacted at least 30 companies asking for work with no joy.

He said: "Around 10 of the 30 firms I contacted said they weren't taking on apprentices, I think they don't think it's worthwhile because the lack of funding they get from the government.

"It would be really good to see a firm that solely takes on apprentices to train up. It's frustrating that there are a lot of housing developments being built in the Forest, yet young people like myself aren't getting the opportunity to work on them. I'd love the chance to work, even if it's just for one day a week."

Zak trained at Gloucestershire College, at the Gloucester campus, and says that his peers are also struggling to find work.

He said: "There is a real lack of apprenticeships in the Forest. I can drive and am happy to look further afield if I can't find anything locally."

Could you help Zak? If so, call 07976510660.