A GROUP of 22 apprentices have taken their first steps in an alarming career.

The group have started Shorrock Security's three year programme, which will lead to full-time jobs as alarm engineers with the Blackburn firm. Hundreds of teenagers applied for the apprenticeships, which will be based at Shorrock's 46 branches throughout the country.

"The industry in general suffers from a shortage of skilled engineers," explained managing director Mike Smith. "Three years ago we decided to have an intake of apprentices each year to create a skill base of new engineers for the company with the proper grounding and training."

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