MORE than 200 young people attended an event to find out more about apprenticeships with Sandwell Council.

The event at the Oldbury-based council house also saw 107 young people enrol on the Black Country Impact programme to get help onto the career ladder.

Hundreds of people came through the doors throughout the day, including parents and grandparents supporting young people interested in starting an apprenticeship, getting training and gaining support.

Funded by the government, Europe and the Big Lottery Fund, Black Country Impact is working with the public, private and voluntary sectors to help young adults break down the barriers that may be holding them back from finding work, improving their skills or gaining qualifications.

The council’s Think Sandwell employment team will now work with everyone who signed up to help them find an apprenticeships with the council and local businesses, as well as jobs and training.

For more information about apprenticeships, visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/apprenticeshipvacancies, email enquiries_recruitment@sandwell.gov.uk, or call 0121 569 2099.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Simon Hackett, said: “It was a great event and lots of young people talked to me to say how helpful it was.

“The council is committed to supporting young people to help them get on the career ladder.

“One of the best aspects of the event was that we had apprentices currently working for the council talking to other young people interested in an apprenticeship."