YOUNG people looking for work are set to benefit as an Oxfordshire environmental charity launches a new apprenticeship programme.

The Earth Trust has launched its first apprenticeship programme which its says will help young people develop skills and confidence with the aspiration that they will go on to find jobs locally and help boost business across the county.

The first three apprentices will experience different aspects of the charity’s work, with on-the-job training in land management on the Earth Trust farm and woodlands in Little Wittenham, marketing and events, and business administration.

Earth Trust CEO Jayne Manley said: "These apprenticeships are likely to be very attractive to young people; the Earth Trust is a pretty unique organisation that works with communities to find practical solutions to environmental challenges: local food, farming, water and the impacts of diseases like ash dieback on our woodlands.

"These are all important issues in Oxfordshire as well as across the UK and the apprentices will get involved in these projects and more."

The Earth Trust is well known for the iconic Wittenham Clumps nature reserve which receives 150,000 visits a year.

The apprenticeships are offered in partnership with Abingdon and Witney College and Oxfordshire Apprenticeships.

For further information, including details on how to apply, visit earthtrust.org.uk.