Just the job! 52 apprentices in first day of Ladder for Staffordshire

The incredible jobs rush came from 12 firms who immediately signed up to offer youngsters the chance of on-the-job training with the prospect of a high-quality career.

The campaign, which has been backed by Chancellor George Osborne, will today be officially launched in front of an audience of 700 business leaders at a Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce event at Uttoxeter Racecourse. We have joined with a team of expert partners including training provider Performance Through People (PTP), and Walsall-based charity the Vine Trust. PTP director Gill Durkin said: "We have been inundated with inquiries since going live. The initial signs are very encouraging and we expect more to come in as the message spreads. To have more than 50 pledges on the first day of the launch is terrific."

"We have learnt lessons from our experience with the Ladder for the Black Country and acted on them." South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson praised the 'amazing response' the campaign had in its first 24 hours.

He said: "Considering this has just been launched, it is an amazing response and shows how the Express & Star campaign can make a difference to people's lives."

Companies taking on apprentices under the scheme include car dealer Arnold Clark, and The Hammerman Plastic Piling in Burntwood and Bhandals Dental Practices.

The campaign has been rolled out after the success of the Ladder for the Black Country which has seen nearly 500 apprenticeships created since September. To get an apprenticeship or to take on an apprentice go to www.ladderforstaffordshire.co.uk or call 03332 409 699.