It was interesting to note that your business editor, Ron Godfrey, mentioned the shortage of skilled workers, especially plumbers and bricklayers ('Skills gap alert', February 13).

This is not because young people do not want to do these jobs. Last year at my school six students were interested in becoming plumbers but only one could find a company willing to train him. The rest went into the retail trade.

There are young people who want to train but there is a grave shortage of training places.

This is something that must be addressed and the Government should provide incentives to companies or we will lose this interest.

David Milburn,

Careers Teacher,

Barlby High School,

Barlby, Selby.

...I AM frustrated at not being able to secure a modern apprenticeship, despite my enthusiasm and commitment.

It is a very discouraging situation, made worse by recent promotions for modern apprenticeships and an escalating shortage of skilled tradespeople, particularly plumbers.

I also feel the imposed age limit of 24 is unjust and unfair, especially in an increasingly ageless employment environment in a time of equal opportunities.

When I left school in 1996, the recession had reduced investment in training considerably and I failed to get an apprenticeship.

Now there is a great shortfall of skilled labour and national campaigns (such as that of the Learning & Skills Council) to increase the number of apprentices in training and I find myself "too old" at 26.

Simon Watson,

Scawton Avenue,

Huntington, York.

Updated: 11:44 Tuesday, February 17, 2004