THE Oxford Mail is launching a special campaign with the National Apprenticeship Service in a bid to help young people into work.

The challenge is to find positions for 100 apprentices in 100 days, with county employers from all sections of the business community being urged to get involved.

The campaign is backed by 25 colleges, local authorities and training providers.

They will work with employers to provide the support necessary to help the apprentices study while they learn on the job.

Rachel McKellar, National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) director, said: “Oxfordshire employers have reaped the benefits of apprentices for many years, but we are keen to increase the number of apprenticeship places offered to young people in particular.

“It can be hard to get that first job and an apprenticeship offers the chance to learn a skill from scratch and gain a qualification.

“Many employers are still under the myth that apprentices only work in traditional trades, but there are more than 200 different job roles offered, including marketing, business administration and customer service. These are skills every business needs to grow and prosper.”

The campaign is starting on Monday with a special breakfast event at Milton Hill, near Steventon.

Businesses are being encouraged to attend the free event to find out more about how to employ an apprentice and become involved in the Oxfordshire 100 in 100 Challenge.

The National Apprenticeship Service was set up by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in a bid to tackle spiralling unemployment among young people.

Apprentices will train for National Vocational Qualifications and can pursue their studies to degree level if required, with most training for up to two years.

Ms Sayers added: “What we find is that apprentices are far more loyal employees because the company has invested in their training, are more productive and have a competitive edge specific to that particular business.”

On Thursday the Oxford Mail will publish a special supplement promoting the campaign, highlighting the benefits of apprenticeships and speaking to those working under apprenticeship schemes.

CASE STUDY: Lorna Palmer finished her A-Levels last summer and was considering going to university. But she was unsure of whether to further her academic studies or get a job.

Lorna, 19, pictured, said: “I did not want to start work straight away with and not get any qualifications as I still want a degree.”

She looked into apprenticeships and was offered a position by Simon Hegele Logistics based at Milton Park.

Since starting in September she has already passed her NVQ Level Two in business administration and is looking to start developing a career in marketing.

Her job is already varied and ranges from booking flights and hotels for managers to preparing presentations.

She added: “I am being taken around the business looking at what everyone does, which will help me decide what I want to do next. I have made the right choice.”

The Oxfordshire 100 in 100 Challenge will be launched at the Milton Hill Hotel, Milton Hill, near Steventon, at 8am on Monday. To book email Ruth. Harris@apprenticeships. gov.uk by Friday