Twenty five new apprentices have began work at Bristol City Council, bringing the total to 180 since the scheme started in September 2009.

The new apprentices gain work and training in a range of areas including social care, highways engineering, finance and pollution control.

The apprenticeship scheme is a key part of the council’s support for the Backing Young People in Bristol campaign, which has a goal to take on 2,012 apprentices in 2012.

Council Leader Barbara Janke, said: "Bristol has the highest employment rate of any major city in the UK and independent experts tells us we are the best placed small city in Europe in future years for business growth.

-- Advertisement --

"But we are not immune to the difficult economic conditions. We are determined to do all we can to create the necessary conditions for businesses to thrive and new jobs to be created.

"Our apprenticeship scheme - and our support for the Backing Young People in Bristol campaign - is an important way the council can help young people get on the jobs ladder and provide essential training and experience.

"There will also be a jobs boost for the city from the major infrastructure funding over recent months from both the Government and council. We’ve attracted £114 for Bus Rapid Transit, £60 million for new school places and the council’s own £50 million capital package will all help stimulate the city’s economy.

"The Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone is already beginning to attract new firms and it will be an important site for new jobs in the city. Plus we have European support for our ambitious energy investment programme that will help create up to 1,000 jobs."

(CD/GK)