Businesswoman and winner of TV's The Apprentice, Michelle Dewberry, visited Bradford to highlight National Apprentices Week.

She joined the regional Learning and Skills Council's campaign to celebrate the value of apprentices by visiting Bradford Community Housing Trust apprentices who are building and refurbishing its properties. The company has 28 trade apprentices.

She was given a demonstration of the apprentices' skills at the Thornton Heating Project in Hoyle Ing Road where the trainees are part of the team installing gas central heating systems.

Delroy Beverley, director of contract services, said: "Apprenticeships are at the heart of BCHT's business and our long-term recruitment strategy."

Another Bradford business that believes in the value of apprentices is Thorite, which has recruited its newest apprentice.

Jonathan Moulson, 17, of Bradford, has joined the Laisterdyke-based firm's four year training scheme.

Former Thorite apprentice of the year, Jonathan Kinsella, 22, also of Bradford, recently graduated from the scheme, and is now a service engineer.

Ross Gowler, marketing and engineering services director, said: "I find it extremely gratifying to be part of an organisation which puts so much emphasis on high quality training."