A communications giant is seeking to help 15 young people in the Norwich area to kick-start their careers through a free work placement.

BT is looking for applicants for its Work Ready programme work placements, which are open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 24 not currently in education, employment or training. The three-week placements offer the chance to build confidence and learn practical skills such as CV writing and interview techniques.

The next programme in Norwich starts on April 24 at BT's Russell House offices in the city centre.

The first week of the course focuses on building key skills and is followed by a week on the job, shadowing engineers from Openreach.

Tim Whitley, chair of BT's East of England regional board, said: 'I would encourage any young person looking to get on a new career path to join a work placement.'