Joinery Design Limited (JDL) is a family-run firm of craftsmen joiners specialising in unusual and one off-pieces of furniture and architectural joinery, including reception counters, staircases, windows and doors.

However, while a lot of companies are cutting back on employing apprentices, JDL has taken the opposite view.

They have just seen their first apprentice – Kieron Harte, 20, of Euxton – pass his NVQ Level 3 advanced in carpentry and joinery.

He will now join the team of 20 at the workshop at Yarrow Business Centre.

The firm was only established two years ago but is already training four more apprentices.

Three of the apprentices have come from Holy Cross High School, where Steve Smith coordinates the work-related training programme.

He said: "It's tough for school-leavers to take on a trade nowadays, but we're certainly seeing a fantastic calibre of candidates, because they recognise that being a craftsman is a skill for life."

Callum Doherty, 18, has just started on his third year of the carpentry and joinery course; Anthony Eccleston and Cameron Leach, both 16, are doing the foundation course NVQ Level 1 in carpentry and joinery apprenticeship.

Meanwhile, Jenna McPartlin, 18, is studying for an NVQ in polishing and finishing.

Not only is she JDL's first female apprentice, but she is the only girl who has ever done this course at North Lancs Training Group and she is just about to start her advanced apprenticeship.

JDL managing director, Ian Smallwood, said: "We are not only putting something back into the community, but we are also building a legacy of great tradesmen and women who contribute to the success of our business."

Working closely with The North Lancs Training Group Ltd, (the biggest furniture training provider in the country) all of JDL's joinery apprentices attend Preston College or North Lancs Training centre of vocational excellence (COVE) based at Accrington, one day a week and will spend three years perfecting their craft.

Mike Creary, scheme co-ordinator for joinery qualifications at North Lancs Training Group, said: "JDL are very supportive of apprentices and have been year on year. They offer an excellent opportunity for apprentices to learn their trade to a high standard."