A firm that fixes smartphones is calling for an official device repair apprenticeship to be introduced.

In 2022 there were almost 72 million mobile phone connections in use in the UK.

But repair firm TMT First, which introduced its own apprenticeship after struggling to find staff, points out there is no industry training standard, the BBC reported.

By contrast, there are 33 million cars on the road, with mechanics learning on nationally recognised apprenticeships

Adam Whitehouse from TMT First told the BBC: "There's lots of young techy people out there who perhaps have even tinkered around with phones at home themselves, and are really interested in how they can do this better, and maybe create a career out of it.

"If you think about the technology and all the devices in our homes today, those things need repairing. And when people are taught the correct way of doing that, these devices will last for longer."

Mr Whitehouse founded TMT First, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, in 2006. He says 58 members of staff have come through his firm's training courses so far and the company now offers its own apprenticeship.

Simon Gardner, sales manager at Stonehouse-based Lister Unified Communications, said: "With customers hanging on to devices for longer and the second-hand device market growing massively along with businesses wanting to improve their green agenda, repairing handsets is a must.

"With 85 million active devices in the UK, the industry needs new trained apprentices to meet the demand."