MORE York businesses are pledging to help young people into work as part of the York Apprenticeship Challenge.

Hunters Estate Agency in Colliergate is the latest to make a pledge, following in the footsteps of Harrowells Solicitors, City of York Council, FERA, Flaxton’s Children’s Nursery and Honey Pots Nursery in Poppleton.

The York Apprenticeship Challenge is urging businesses to create 100 apprenticeship places in 100 days and is gathering momentum with more than 60 pledges already received and more announcements expected over the next few days.

Hunters has made room for an apprentice through the promotion of another young person.

Fran McCarthy, 20, started working at Hunters when she was 17 in the maintenance department for the lettings business, dealing with tenants and landlords.

She said the position gave her the opportunity to advance. She said: “It got me into the company, starting when I was 17. And at 20 I’ve been promoted into sales and auctions.”

Glynis Frew, director of Hunters, said the company had a good track record of taking people on that are young and progressing them.

She said: “We’re not ageist in any way. Our youngest employee is about 19 and our oldest is 76. If you get people with the right attitude you can give them the skills and knowledge.”

Visit apprenticeships.org.uk or phone 08000 150 600 to be part of the challenge.