A Bradford publishing house and design agency has signed up to the Bradford Apprenticeship Challenge.

I&E Media, based at the Chamber Business Park in New Lane, Tong, needs an administrator and is looking to fill the position by taking on an apprentice as part of the campaign, which aims to secure 100 new apprenticeship places in 100 days.

The scheme is on course to succeed as a total of 45 positions have been created up to today – the 45th day of the challenge.

I&E Media produces a magazine and a newspaper and helps companies to reach out to the South Asian community through their branding.

Fatima Patel, managing director of the firm, said it was the first time it had taken on an apprentice and she was optimistic about the scheme.

“It is a great way for people who want to come into this industry,” she said. “Learning is continuous in the kind of work we do, so it will be great for them to come and learn as they are working.

“We belong to the creative industry and there are always new things, new training that needs to be given.

“It (the challenge) works very well with our industry. It helps us as a business and helps our team.

“For them, coming in with a mindset to work and learn, if they start with that they will be able to do really very well.”

She said The Apprentice would be tasked with handling inquiries and would have opportunities to move into different areas of the business.

The Apprenticeship Challenge, backed by the Telegraph & Argus, aims to encourage students and young people not in education, employment or training to take on an apprenticeship as a way into work.

Anyone who would like more information about apprenticeships and what they can offer to businesses can visit the website apprenticeships.org.uk or call (08000) 150600.