A campaign to promote apprenticeships and help young people at risk of entering a job without training is being launched in schools across Dorset.

Dorset County Council and Ansbury, a local provider of information, advice and guidance for young people, are working together to help five schools across the county run apprenticeship clubs for their students.

The aim of the clubs is for young people and parents to find out more about employment combined with training. Pupils will be offered the chance to practice completing applications, improve their interview and presentation skills, and meet local employers and apprentices.

The Purbeck School was the first to launch the campaign, and will be followed by Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne, Ferndown Upper School and Blandford School in the next few weeks.

The evening event at The Purbeck School, in Wareham, was held to help students and parents find out more about apprenticeships. Headteacher Leanne Symonds said: "We were delighted to welcome over 100 families to The Purbeck School to learn more about apprenticeships. Families were told about the careers that can be pursued, what employers are looking for, how to apply, what current apprentices think of the scheme and the types of learning that goes hand-in-hand with time in the workplace.

“The apprenticeship evening is part of a wider strategy to help us prepare our students for life beyond school, including the return of work experience for Year 10 students. We are being supported by Dorset County Council and The Wareham Mayor's Fund, which is going to help to finance this important work."

In June 2013, 9.4 per cent of 16-18 year olds living in Dorset were in a job without accredited training. However, if these young people were on an apprenticeship, they would gain nationally recognised qualifications, have better career prospects and better earning potential.

Cllr Toni Coombs, Cabinet member for education at Dorset County Council, said: “It’s so important that young people continue to learn while they work. Qualifications are the key to climbing the ladder, finding other employment or going onto study at college or university. This is why apprenticeships offer something different and are perfect for young people who want to go straight into work. You can learn while you earn a wage, at a pace that is best suited to you.”

Between January and March next year, Ansbury will be running apprenticeship clubs at the five schools for up to 20 year 11 students who are at risk of entering a job without training.

Martin Vowles, business development director at Ansbury, said: “These clubs will allow pupils to find out about being an apprentice and get help with applications. There are some really great apprenticeship opportunities across our region and we want to make sure parents and pupils know what’s available so that we can support them and our local employers."

For more information about apprenticeships, call 08000 150 600 or go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk