More applications for women to take plumbing courses as part of apprenticeships are being invited by Highland Council in Scotland.
The local authority has advertised six vacancies for young people to join its apprenticeship initiative, with director of housing and property Steve Barron stressing how important it is to build up skills despite the economic situation.
He explained that this will bode well for the future.
Speaking to BBC News, Highland Council resources committee chairwoman Carolyn Wilson remarked: "We would be particularly keen to see more applications from girls this year as these are excellent career opportunities for both sexes."
She lauded the energy and enthusiasm of the young people applying for the positions.
The jobs hold four or five-year terms and range from plumbing and electrical to building, joining and painting.
Last week, two young women graduated from a scheme in the Midlands with the Walsall Housing Group and were praised by the assessor for being a pleasure to teach.
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