The National Apprenticeship Service is challenging businesses to increase the number of apprenticeships across Yorkshire and the Humber over the next 100 days.

The ‘100 Days Apprenticeship Challenge’, which began today is encouraging as many employers as possible to get involved between now and July 8.

The project will support businesses to find the right apprenticeship for their needs and put them in contact with a training provider to work in partnership with.

Anthony Knowles, of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “The support of local businesses is vital if we are to grow the skills base of our regional economy.

“This new campaign will provide much-needed new opportunities for young people, and by agreeing to take on an apprentice, employers are not only supporting their local community, they are also making a good business decision to grow their own talented workforce.”

More than 60,000 people started an apprenticeship across Yorkshire and the Humber last year, and the new 100-day challenge is being supported by local training providers including West Yorkshire Learning Providers Ltd, based in Laisterdyke, Calderdale College and Kirklees College.

For details about the campaign, visit apprenticeship challenge.co.uk.