Big Pit: National Coal Museum in Blaenavon, South Wales, has announced that it is launch a new apprenticeship scheme in order to provide a new generation of staff for the attraction.

The new programme aims to attract aspiring young people looking to specialise in electrical or mechanical engineering and will be run in partnership with Gower College Swansea. For the majority of the last 20 years, the UK mining sector has relied on men trained by the National Coal Board. However, operators are now seeking new entrants to the industry.

Big Pit mine manager Peter Walker said: "The apprentices time will be split between their academic studies and practical work here at Big Pit, learning about both the engineering and visitor sides of our operations. "In the latter part of their apprenticeships they will be trained in mines rescue and join existing staff who work part time with the Mines Rescue Service."

Image: Steinsky