* I READ with interest about Pete the Plumber, a character created to attract young people into the plumbing industry (TES, August 2). As a careers adviser working with school and college leavers, I can assure the British Plumbing Employers’ Council that, at least in my local area, there is no shortage of young people keen to pursue a plumbing career. However, they are unable to find the work placements required to complete the training. The council’s resources might be better spent on encouraging employers to take on apprentices and ensuring that training providers give young people more support to find these placements.

Elizabeth France Aylesbury Careers Centre George Street Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire