A NEWPORT housing landlord is marking National Apprentice Week this week by announcing the recruitment of an extra eight apprentices.

Newport City Homes has already employed 42 apprentices, mostly from the Newport area, since it was set up in March 2009.

The apprenticeship programme gives people the chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification with work experience in their chosen field.

Apprentices have a dedicated apprentice co-ordinator, individual mentoring, and training including in skills such as curriculum vitae writing, applications and interviews.

Matt Stroud, 25, from Ponthir, is in the third year of his electrical apprenticeship with Newport City Homes and has been offered employment with a local contractor.

He said: “I always wanted to be an electrician but struggled to find an apprenticeship.

I decided to put myself through an electrical course at a local college which I hoped would help my chances of gaining an apprenticeship.

“This apprenticeship has been the best thing I’ve ever done.”

For more information about the apprentice opportunities, see www.newportcity homes.com