HUNDREDS of Bradford students will receive their A-level results tomorrow, but many may spurn university and instead look to earn while they learn with apprenticeships.

Rising tuition fees are putting many off heading to university, a survey, commissioned by British Gas, has found.

It revealed that 41 per cent of young people have thought about becoming an apprentice, with over a quarter - 28 per cent - suggesting that such a move would increase their chances of finding work.

Bradford Council has planned workshops at Culture Fusion on Friday of this week and next, to help students who have received their A-level and GCSE results and want to explore apprenticeships as an option.

The sessions, which take place between 1pm and 4pm, will allow young people to discuss what opportunities are available with trained professionals.

The Council has been involved in setting up an Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) to help companies recruit apprentices. It is run jointly with Bradford College and is part of the Council's Get Bradford Working initiative.

The ATA employs the young person and places them with a company.

Councillor Ralph Berry, the Council's executive member for children and young peoples services, said: "Although many school leavers opt to follow the traditional academic route, a growing number are taking advantage of the wide range of apprenticeships now on offer.

"It is a really valuable route for those wanting to learn new skills and earn a wage at the same time. It enables many youngsters to find a path into employment at a time when it is not easy to always find a job."

VISIT TELEGRAPHANDARGUS.CO.UK ON THURSDAY TO SEE A-LEVEL RESULTS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT AS THEY COME IN

Shipley College also offers a number of courses and apprenticeships and from September will start an apprenticeship in Floristry .

Business development team leader Lynn Binns said: "In recent years we have seen a rise in the number of young people favouring apprenticeships as an alternative to university.

"We have strong links with a number of businesses in the area who recognise the unique contribution that apprentices can make. Apprenticeships give employers the opportunity to train young people in a role that is specific to their business."

Young people aged 16 to 24 who are interested in apprenticeships can visit the college Monday to Friday, between 10am and 3pm, for advice.

The British Army is also holding a careers clinic tomorrow at 33 Westgate, Bradford, between 2pm and 4pm.

A-level results will be released tomorrow morning and a full report on results day will feature in the T&A on Friday. It will be followed by an A-level results supplement next week.

The ATA can be contacted by emailing info@atabradford.co.uk or calling (01274) 925255.