A STAPLEHURST firm is investing in young people to overcome a 10 year decline in the availability of skilled engineers.

But increasingly, the firm has noticed a dearth of young people coming forward to train as engineers.

DK Holdings has run and apprenticeship scheme since it began trading in 1959, manufacturing tooling for the engineering, stone, marble, glass, reinforced plastics and cigarette industries.

Managing director, Harry Hicks, said: "It has been a particular problem over the last four or five years. We do have a dialogue with local schools, but often, the careers teachers are tied up with other things.

"Two things put people off a career in engineering. Youngsters perceive engineering as a dirty job. People think they are going to get mucky. Apprentices are also committed to a lengthy training period, over four years."

DK Holdings, which employs eight engineering apprentices - two of them girls - admits three new trainees every July. Training takes place at the firm's manufacturing plant and on day release at college. The company, which has 125 staff, supplies 45 countries, including the USA, Europe and the Far East.

According to Mr Hicks, the investment in trainees is expensive and sometimes, other companies benefit from that investment when an apprentice leaves. But the firm believes the investment is worthwhile, particularly when a youngster can be trained and developed to management level.

School leavers interested in an engineering apprenticeship should contact DK Holdings on 01850 891662 or e-mail info@dk-holdings.co.uk or try the website: www.dk-holdings.co.uk