FORMER St Theodore's High School pupil Philip Haggerty is chiselling himself a promising career as a cabinet maker thanks to a modern apprenticeship.

Philip, 17 from Burnley, joined Simpson's at Greenfield Mill in Colne and is working towards qualifications in wood machining.

He was given an insight into the furniture industry when he visited the Jobs 2000 event at Burnley Football Club last year when he was able to talk to other apprentices and employers.

This year's Jobs 2001 events will be taking place on March 22 at Blackburn Rovers and at Burnley FC on March 29 and Philip recommends them to any school-leaver.

" I heard about modern apprenticeships through my careers adviser at school and decided to go the the jobs event with my parents to find out more, " he said.

" It was good to see the different products being made by the various organisations and it gave me a better idea of the programme. "

Philip is enjoying his apprenticeship with Simpson's, a small bespoke furniture maker with 15 employees. Managing Director Philip Simpson is pleased with his progress.

" He has been with us since July and is developing his skills and knowledge every day, " said Mr Simpson. " I am very much in favour of modern apprenticeships as I feel they encourage the right people to the industry, providing young people with formalised training and a recognised qualification. "