THE editor of the Journal has thrown himself into a campaign to encourage companies to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days by becoming one himself.

Brian Aitken swapped roles with 20-year-old Liam Rogerson, who is working his way through a three-year electrical engineering apprenticeship with Newcastle University at the School of Marine Science and Technology.

While Brian found out about the inner workings of wind turbines and wave simulation tanks, Liam was introduced to the altogether different world of deadlines, headlines and fonts.

And it seems by trading places to highlight National Apprenticeship Week, both have gained a deeper appreciation of the good work being carried out at their counterpart’s workplaces.

As well as being given a grand tour of the newsroom, Liam was also able to contribute to The Journal, particularly in helping to choose what should go on the front of the newspaper.

Although the Blyth man hopes to get a full-time job with the university on completion of his studies in 2012, he did say that a career in journalism was appealing after spending a day amidst the cut and thrust of a newsroom.

Liam, who has just completed an Ordinary National Certificate in electrical engineering and is on Level 2 of his apprenticeship, said: “It was great to be part of The Journal for the day and see exactly what goes into making a newspaper.

“There is an incredible amount of work that needs to be done before an edition can go to press and it was interesting to get a feel for all the different departments that are involved, including the news desk, production and the features department.

“It did make a career in journalism look exciting, but I’m not sure I would be happy with the long hours.”

Similarly, Brian was more than impressed by the work being carried out at the School of Marine Science and Technology, at the Armstrong Building in central Newcastle.

The centre is currently testing a scaled down version of a pedalo that will eventually be used to cross the Atlantic as part of this year’s Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Rowing Race.

The centre is also testing out wind turbine blades for North East renewable energy body Narec as it works to maintain the region’s reputation as a hub for renewable energy development. The job-swap was organised to support The Journal’s 100 Apprentices in 100 Days campaign, which is being run in association with the National Apprenticeship Service and supported by the North East Chamber of Commerce.

It aims to get employers to take on 100 apprentices over 100 days as a way of helping to create employment for the many people struggling to find work.

Brian said: “While at the university, I was able to help test different wave conditions on a hull developed for a catamaran and was absolutely blown away by the kind of high-tech work being carried out right under our noses.

“The amount of preparation that goes into these tests is astonishing and shows how far ahead we are in terms of areas like offshore renewables.

“Today reminded me how important it is to help North East businesses find and train the right people.

“I am determined that The Journal’s campaign to find 100 apprentices in 100 days will play a key role in that.”