Several events are taking place across the county to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

Employers are invited to a breakfast in Kidlington on April 1 to find out more about apprenticeships.

The event marks the arrival of an Olympic-style torch, touring southern England, in Oxfordshire.

Electrical contractors Darke and Taylor are hosting the torch, which symbolises passing on of knowledge, between 8am to 10am.

Employers will be given information about funding, grants, practical tips on how to recruit, the apprenticeship levy and National Insurance changes.

A panel of experts will be on hand to answer questions.

The pass-the-torch tour began in London at the end of January.

To book a place, visit www.passthetorch-oxon.eventbrite.co.uk 

Also, as part of National Apprenticeship Week, seven apprentices were recognised at this year’s Freemen of Oxford awards.

The annual ceremony, held at the Town Hall last week, is open to those who live, work or train in the city. 

Business administration trainee Stephanie Rockett of Oxford City Council won apprentice of the year.

Awards were also made to fellow business and administration trainee Charlotte Cox of Oxfordshire County Council, electrical engineering apprentice Jade McGinnity of Lucy Electric and maintenance engineering apprentice Rebecca Pallot of BMW.

Others who scooped awards were catering apprentice Balint Oze of St Edwards School, horticulture apprentice Sasha Fraser of Oxford City Council and trainee carpenter Cohen Scolio of ABC Oxford.