I AM writing to vent my frustration at how you go about finding employment for doing a plumbing apprenticeship in York.

I am 20 years old and am getting made redundant at my current job working for the Co-operative Insurance Society. Given the opportunity to do something totally different, I decided to do what I always wanted to do and learn a trade.

After being accepted on training courses at several colleges, the next step is to find employment to carry out my apprenticeship. To do this I have sent over 25 letters and rang numerous plumbing companies seeking the opportunity to give me a chance of fulfilling my ambition.

So far no company big or small is interested in offering me an apprenticeship. I am finding it very frustrating trying to find employment.

The government have stated that they want more tradesmen and highly-skilled people.

Well how are young people going to become highly skilled if the Government isn't encouraging companies to help train the future tradesmen?

What is going to be done about this problem? And is there anyone out there that is going to give me a chance?

Christopher Lyon,

Parkland Way,

Haxby,

York.

Updated: 11:13 Tuesday, July 12, 2005