Telford and Wrekin Council 'to double' number of apprentices
A council has said it plans to double the number of apprentices it trains over the next year.
Telford and Wrekin Council has 54 people taking part in its programme which covers areas like leisure, education and customer services.
People are usually trained for up to a year and the Skills Funding Agency provides funding for apprentices to gain NVQs, the council said.
The programme started in 2003 and more than 400 candidates have taken part.
More than 125 of those have gone on to work for the Labour-controlled council, it added.
Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: "Our programme has been running since 2003 and has helped many local young people develop skills, qualifications and careers.
"We realise that times are hard especially for young people who are looking to secure their first job.
"After seeing the successful results of the council's apprenticeship scheme over the years, this is something that we are really keen to support and offer to more young people in the borough."