A new scheme set to offer young people in Warrington the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship, is launching during national Apprenticeship Week (6-10 February).

The initiative will see Warrington Borough Council working with local organisations to offer apprenticeship opportunities, helping to double the number of apprenticeships the council offers from 70 to over 140.

The apprenticeships, offered thanks to funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, will be open to any 16-24 year old who is not in education, employment or training and living within the following qualifying areas:

• Bewsey & Whitecross

• Burtonwood & Winwick

• Fairfield & Howley

• Latchford East

• Oakwood

• Orford

• Poplars & Hulme

• Poulton North

There will be a range of apprenticeship vacancies, including retail, customer service, ICT and business administration.

During Apprenticeship Week, council leader, Terry O’Neill will visit Warrington Collegiate today to get a taste of what brickwork and plumbing apprentices do, and on Thursday 9 February he will be at the Jobcentre Plus to see first hand the kind of work young people are doing when he shadows two apprentices.

Cllr Terry O’Neill (Lab, Burtonwood & Winwick), council leader, said:

‘It is very good news that we are in a position to offer more apprenticeships than ever to Warrington’s young people thanks to this new initiative. An apprenticeship provides a vital kickstart to a young person’s career and is an investment in their future. In Warrington we are continuing to do all we can to ensure the town’s young people have the opportunities they deserve in education, training and employment.’

How to apply

For an up-to-date list of vacancies or to ensure your eligibility please call or email the Community Employment, Learning and Skills Team on 01925 442 376 or email awarren1@warrington.gov.uk or go online to www.warrington.gov.uk