EMPTY shopfronts will be transformed into pop-up shops with a difference to give young people vital help about possible career paths.

The Oxfordshire Apprentice service has booked three shops in Oxford, Banbury and Wantage for two days each to create the pop-up ApprenticeSHOPS.

Oxfordshire Apprenticeships' Paddy Patterson, from Oxfordshire County Council’s Economy and Skills team, said: “Record numbers of young people have started an apprenticeship in Oxfordshire during the past year and are seeing the benefits of earning while they learn. “There is a wider choice of good quality, local apprenticeships than ever before, so whatever you’re interested in, there should be one to suit you.”

Each ApprenticeSHOP will offer advice and support for young people, including details of all the apprenticeships available.

Students will also be able to find out how apprenticeships could lead to a wide range of careers.

Possible careers include helicopter design, catering, fashion design, motorsport engineering and trade skills.

The pop-up shops will also be looking to recruit businesses.

Employers interested in taking on apprentices are invited to visit the shops and find out what the process involves.

The pop-up shops have been made possible by people who have chosen to follow the apprentice career path.

Pre-apprentices based at ACE Training, Kidlington, have fitted out each of the units before they open their doors to the public.

Adam Marsh of ACE Training said: “These shop fits are a wonderful way for our pre-apprentices to get real trade experience prior to starting their apprenticeships with local businesses all around Oxfordshire. “The ApprenticeSHOPS idea is a really innovative way to get school leavers excited about apprenticeships. “Experience counts for everything in today’s job market and apprenticeships give you an NVQ as well as a paid job.”

The timing coincides with GCSE and A-Level results, which thousands of young people in Oxfordshire will be receiving over the next two weeks.

Mr Marsh said: “Many of our apprentices didn’t achieve well at GCSE and are proving that you don’t have to succeed at school to excel at work.”

The first shop opened in Wantage at 18A Mill Street yesterday, and will remain in place today.

A pop-up shop will be running at the Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford, next Thursday and Friday.

The final shop will open in Castle Quay Shopping Centre, Banbury, on Thursday, August 22, and on Friday, August 23.

It is planned for further venues to be announced. People interested should follow @OxonApprentice on Twitter or visit oxme.info for information.