One of the UK's leading industrial recruitment firms has received more than 30 applicants for an apprenticeship scheme in which just three places were available.

The high level of interest shows the demand for more apprenticeship programmes across industry, according to Gary Dewhurst, managing director of gap personnel.

Speaking after his company had just received recognition from a prestigious industry body for its quality training, he said: “At gap personnel we are keen to be at the forefront of a resurgence in apprenticeship schemes for young people in Britain.”

The Apprentice Employers’ Badge is awarded to companies by the National Apprenticeship Service and is supported by the British Chamber of Commerce. It highlights the recipient company’s commitment to apprenticeships.

Gary said: “We are delighted to have acquired this badge. It recognises the work we do in this field.

“It is important that young people receive a standard of training that will successfully equip them for future careers. Apprenticeships have always been a key part of Britain’s industrial heritage and it is significant that during these difficult economic times more employers have begun to recognise their value in building up the workforce skills-base.”

Two recent school-leavers who agree are Lucy-Faye Roberts, 18, of Long Lane, Pentre Broughton, and Sarah Bellis, 17, of Falcon Road, Wrexham.

Both are strong advocates of the gap personnel apprenticeship scheme and would like to see more training programmes like their own rolled out across businesses in North Wales.

Lucy, a former student of Ysgol St Joseph’s and then Yale College, Wrexham, said the scheme is teaching her valuable office skills.

She said: “I would recommend this scheme to others as I am really enjoying learning in different departments of the company whilst also being paid! So far I have been learning payroll skills, general administration, HR, and marketing.

“I think other businesses should bring back apprentice schemes, because young people will have more opportunities to learn whilst in the work place, and I think it is also a clear indication of the company’s commitment to its workforce.”

Sarah, a former student of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, Wrexham, was thrilled to hear she had obtained an apprenticeship place with gap personnel.

“I was looking for a career involving administrative skills and when I discovered gap personnel had an apprenticeship scheme which included that I just had to jump at the chance.

“I am already recommending apprenticeships to all my friends, I am enjoying learning so much. It has an advantage over college courses because it involves hands on experience, which many future employers will be looking for, plus we get paid.”

Lucy and Sarah hope to achieve NVQ certificates at levels two and three at the end of their apprenticeship courses.

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