A NEW scheme will double the amount of apprenticeships on offer in the town, according to Warrington Borough Council.

The council will partner companies to provide 140 apprenticeships for 16 to 24-year-olds.

It will be funded by Coalfields Regeneration Trust and is available to residents of Bewsey and Whitecross, Burtonwood and Winwick, Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, Poplars and Hulme, Oakwood and Poulton North.

To launch the programme council leader Clr Terry O’Neill tried his hand at some bricklaying at Warrington Collegiate tomorrow as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

He said: “An apprenticeship provides a vital kick-start to a young person’s career and is an investment in their future.”