A partnership between Derwentside College and an NHS Trust has created almost 50 apprenticeships.
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, which consists of Darlington Hospital and University Hospital Durham, has recruited 40 apprentices with a further seven roles still to be filled.
The recruits will be working in healthcare, business administration and ward housekeeping, and will gain a vocational level two qualification in year one with an opportunity to progress to an advanced apprenticeship in year two.
Susan Errington, executive director of business development for Derwentside College, said: "Derwentside College is passionate about supporting our learners to find jobs so we're delighted that 40 young people have been able to take advantage of these newly created apprenticeship opportunities.
"We focus on encouraging learners to develop excellent personal and social skills to enhance their employability and for those already in work to enhance their existing skills and progress through learning.
"In the last year alone, together with our partners, we have worked with and supported more than 5,000 learners in 30 different occupational areas."
Mike Wright, executive director of nursing for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, added: "These are the first apprenticeships we have ever had and they’ve proved to be a fantastic way to inject young blood into the trust.
"It's brilliant that we can provide such significant and meaningful training opportunities for young people and to give them a real insight into working life whilst also helping to develop their skills."