Aspiring apprentices in Warrington could soon benefit from a raft of new businesses who have signed up to a Government scheme to expand apprenticeship opportunities for young people and employers.

Between 2013 and 2014, almost 2,100 young people from the town started an apprenticeship, new figures have revealed.

But this number could be set to rise as more opportunities become available as part of the trailblazers initiative. 

Opportunities in policing, boat building, TV production and surveying are among 76 top quality new apprenticeships being designed by more than 700 employers.

Business Secretary, Vince Cable said: “Across the country apprenticeships are a driving force behind getting young people the skills that employers want and the economy needs. 

"Our reforms have empowered businesses large and small to design and deliver world-beating apprenticeships that offer a real route to a successful career.”

Following the Government’s announcement, Sellafield Ltd has been working alongside the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, the National Skills Academy Nuclear and Cogent Sector Skills Council, to develop new and improved apprenticeships.

This includes a new nuclear welding inspection technician apprenticeship, as part of the company’s world-class training programme.

The nuclear management partners’ company has also successfully gained approval for three of its apprenticeship programmes.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Through the trailblazers initiative companies like Sellafield Ltd, in collaboration with their industry partners, will give people the skills they need to thrive and our businesses need to compete.”