Duchy College has announced a brand-new programme that will see professional training in construction and plant operations delivered as an apprenticeship for the first time.

The college, based in north Cornwall, is also the only provider of the apprenticeship in the county.

The course will see students learn under the watchful eye of expert tutors at the college’s 660ac campus one day a week, with the rest of their time spent working for a local employer to get their own hands-on experience – a vital aspect of the programme.

Businesses who sign up to take on a new apprentice before September are eligible to receive up to £4,000 in government incentives, plus an additional £3,000 if they sign up to the Skills for Cornwall Project – part of the European Social Fund (ESF) Business Cluster Project.

Head of apprenticeships at the Cornwall College Group (TCCG), Lorna Martin, said: “This is a valuable opportunity for anyone looking to get into the construction or plant operations industry.

“Taking part in an apprenticeship means you earn an income whilst securing the qualifications you need to progress through the sector.

We’re incredibly proud to be the first Cornwall-based provider of this new apprenticeship, which will see valuable skills and training shared with people working in local companies.

“With the current incentives up for grabs, this is an opportunity that local companies do not want to miss.”