Accredited Financial Planning Firm Eldon Financial Planning has hired an apprentice to join the firm.
The firm has hired 18-year-old Hannah Joss as an apprentice in business administration for a year.
Director Joss Harwood CFP^CM said: "We want to give bright youngsters a way in. We're very hopeful that she'll do well and she's grateful for the opportunity. It's also good having someone young and keen in the office who knows all about technology and social media so there's lots she can contribute."
She said while the position was only for a year, if it went well, there was the possibility of a fulltime job at the end and training to be a Certified Financial Planner.
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Hannah is not the only young talent at the firm as Gemma Langlands joined Eldon aged 22 and progressed through the ranks to become a Financial Planner.
Neither her nor Ms Harwood went to university and Ms Harwood said she was keen to show that university was not the only way.
The firm found the apprentice through the North East Chamber of Commerce and will receive support from them during the process.
Ms Harwood said: "The Chamber will come in and check all our processes and our health and safety which gave us a great opportunity to revisit all our procedures. They will also keep in touch with Hannah."

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