DEVON law firm Stones Solicitors LLP, which has a branch in Okehampton, has responded to the Government's call for businesses to improve employment and career prospects through training and mentoring, by launching its own apprenticeship scheme.

The firm's first two apprentices have been recruited, and they will be working at Stones and studying for qualifications in Business and Administration. The firm has partnered with Education + Training Skills in Exeter to deliver the Business and Administration Apprenticeship.

Abigail Horne is from Holsworthy and has joined the Stones Okehampton office. Liam Preston comes from St. Thomas in Exeter and has joined the firm's Exeter office.

Abigail said: 'I am really excited to be one of the first apprentices at Stones. I am looking forward to developing my professional skills and experience at the firm.'

Karen Bonser, HR manager at Stones, said: 'The job market is especially tough for the 17 to 24-year-old sector, which is why apprenticeships are such great way for younger people to gain experience and get a toe-hold on the career ladder.

'We are delighted to be able to introduce an apprenticeship scheme at Stones and we look forward to helping Abigail and Liam, our first apprentices, to get a good start in work.'

Roz May, regional manager at Education + Training Skills, added: 'It is good to be able to work with a business such as Stones, which is keen to give resource and structure to its apprenticeship programme and use the NVQ system as the backbone for that. We are looking forward to working with Karen, Abigail, Liam and their colleagues to achieve the best for this innovative scheme.'