BT is expecting to create around 50 new apprenticeship and graduate jobs in Wales, including Newport, as a part of a nationwide recruitment drive.

The company is casting its net across the UK for around 300 top science, technology and business graduates who want to build their careers in the IT and telecom sector with one of the UK’s leading investors in research and development.

Some 730 apprenticeships will also be offered to UK school and college leavers in the areas of engineering, software design, IT support, finance and logistics.

BT has also created a new digital media technology apprenticeship that will provide new recruits with experience and skills in web development, digital networks, digital TV and digital media distribution.

BT also announced its commitment to the UK employer-led initiative “Movement to Work”, aimed at tackling youth unemployment, by pledging to provide up to 1,500 vocational training and work experience placements for out of work youngsters over the next 18-months.

Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT, said: “This is a tough time in the job market, with almost a million young people across the UK struggling to find work. Every company needs to play its part in ensuring that Britain’s future workforce isn’t impaired by long-term unemployment.

“BT has an exciting future ahead of it, investing in the UK’s high speed broadband infrastructure, and advances in television and digital media. Through new apprenticeships, graduate training and the Movement to Work programme, we want thousands of young people in Britain to share in this future.”

Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “It’s good news that BT are delivering even more high quality apprenticeships and graduate jobs. Hundreds more people will now be able to get the skills they need to get on and help support sustainable economic growth."