A RECRUITMENT and networking event was held at Weston College in a bid to show young people and businesses what apprenticeships have to offer - and a record amount of people turned up.

It was held at Knightstone campus and more than 350 curious young people, parents and employers attended to find out more.

The college is the biggest facilitator of apprenticeship programmes in the region and its Business and Enterprise Centre (BEC), based at the South West Skills Campus on Locking Road, Weston, was set up to provide businesses with relevant and flexible training programmes.

Among those attending was Debbie Fortune, of Wrington-based Debbie Fortune Estate Agents. She has already taken on one apprentice, 19-year-old Sam Maggs, of Langford, and was looking for another at the event.

Debbie said: “At the event we talked to two or three young people who were interested in an apprenticeship with us, so we will be holding interviews next week. I would definitely recommend the scheme to other employers, and I think you get out what you put in.”