An electricity provider will create 30 new apprentices in Blackburn to help provide clean electricity in Lancashire and the North West.

Electricity North West, who provide power to the region, are recruiting people through their apprenticeship program, who will be trained at their Blackburn academy.

The aim of the drive is to move the North West away from traditional fossil fuels and towards a target of net zero emissions for the region.

Electricity North West chief executive Peter Emery said: “In the next decade there will be a million electric vehicles on the region’s roads, up from just 12,000 today.

"They will all need charging and that means increased demand on the electricity network to make it happen. The network is simply crucial to delivering net zero for the region.

“It’s a unique and exciting time to be joining us.”

Electricity North West’s pledge to reach “Net Zero” by 2038 includes having over half a million electric cars in the North West and providing the people of Lancashire with “Smart Street” technology.

The company also plans to plant over 10 000 trees to counteract those they cut down to protect power lines and reduce power cuts.

Roles are open to anyone aged 16 and over and range from civil engineering and overhead line workers to positions in project management and cyber security.

Prospective apprentices will benefit from a scheme that has been recognised in national awards for its engagement and opportunities for career progression.

Chris Havard, apprenticeship manager for the company, said: “We were immensely proud to both win and be highly commended in two categories at the National Apprenticeship Awards.

“It’s huge for Electricity North West to be recognised at the awards and I’m really pleased to say we were able to come out on top of some highly successful apprenticeship programmes in the North West.”

The deadline for applying for the apprenticeships is Friday February 25.

More information can be found on Electricity North West's website.