DORCHESTER Sports Centre welcomed apprentices from the South West Leisure provider 1610 as a thank you for all their hard work and commitment as part of a celebration of National Apprenticeship week.

The 12 apprentices and staff from 1610 have been meeting local young people and employers as part of a series of roadshows at Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre, Preston School in Yeovil and Dorchester Sports Centre to give them first hand knowledge about what an apprenticeship involves.

It aims to provide first-hand experience of potential career paths and gave the opportunity for both young people and employers to gain contacts and ask any questions.

The lucky 12 will also be spending two days in June at Go Ape Adventure Park and Thorpe Park in Surrey including an overnight stay at a hotel.

During the last four years 1610 has recruited 45 apprentices, 89 per cent of which now have full time jobs with the leisure trust.

Head of WorkOut Learning at 1610 Amanda Charlton said it provides a great opportunity for young people and local employers to find out the facts from the right people.

She said: "Not everyone wants to go to University, and learning while you earn as part of an apprenticeship scheme is a great alternative for many young people.

"The roadshow is also a great opportunity for local employers to come along and find out what it means to take on an apprentice.

"All of the apprentices have worked extremely hard during their training so we are delighted to be able to show our appreciation of all their dedication with two days of fun and adventure.

The WorkOut learning programmes have been a great success with the majority of our apprentices going on to achieve full time posts with us."

National Apprentice Week aims to celebrate the positive impact that apprenticeships have had on individuals and businesses.

The traineeships are aimed at 16-24 year-olds, with apprenticeships starting from 16 years onwards.

Last year, the Government invested a total of £1.5 billion in apprenticeships and 90 per cent of apprentices continue to stay in employment after finishing the schemes.