A TEENAGE bright spark from Trowbridge is among 78 youngsters who started an apprenticeship with Southern Electric Contracting this month.

Samuel Groves, 16, of Magnolia Rise, Trowbridge, began his training with an induction course at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Swindon one of six sessions being held across the country to introduce new employees to the firm's systems and procedures.

The course focused heavily on safety, with specific sessions giving practical advice about working at height, personal protective equipment, first aid, and hazard spotting and risk assessment.

On completion he and 16-year-old fellow apprentice Matt Horner, of Midsomer Norton will join SEC's Melksham office in Spa Road, to gain experience of the different aspects of electrical contracting.

SEC received a record number of applications to this year's apprenticeship programme without the need for an advertising campaign.

Training and development manager Norma Green, said: "In the past, apprenticeships have suffered from a bad press. This year, the tide has definitely turned, and the youngsters themselves are seeing their value.

"We have also seen an upturn in the calibre of our applications, possibly from students who might previously have gone into higher education, who are now realising the benefits of earning while they learn rather than accumulating debt."