BUSINESSES in York are supporting the York Apprenticeship Challenge’s bid to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days.

A good part of the challenge has been met by City of York Council, which initially announced it was creating 34 new apprenticeship places last week.

But after approving more than £100,000 in the council’s budget for apprentices, it has been able to take on one further apprentice, bringing the running total to 40.

The new announcement from City of York Council will be followed in the next few days and weeks by businesses announcing further pledges towards the 100 target.

One of the council’s current apprentices, Anthony Boyd, has been with the council for seven months and works in the city strategy directorate in areas like document scanning and in the city strategy print room. He said: “I am enjoying my time at the council. I am getting paid whilst learning, and have learned a great deal, like how to use office and print room equipment. These are all good skills for my future career.”

The challenge is being run by The Press, the council, the National Apprenticeship Service and other key partners across the city.

Details of how young people can apply for places can be found at york.gov.uk or apprenticeships.org.uk.