The York Apprenticeship Challenge is a fantastic initiative for York and its young people at an extremely challenging time in the jobs market.

It is also an example of how well the city can deliver for its residents when partners work together.

The council should be a leader in providing apprenticeships as the largest employer in the city, and the new Labour administration has made a commitment to have the first in a long line of apprenticeships working in the council by Christmas. We believe in leading by example, and I will be speaking with other major employers across the city in the weeks ahead to promote apprenticeship programmes in their organisations too.

The council has an increased responsibility as a corporate parent, meaning we have a responsibility to those young people who are in our care, which extends to providing them with work skills and opportunities. This group of people will be an important part of our apprenticeship programme.

Our budget will increase funding for apprenticeships, showing we are serious about our manifesto pledges and that we will deliver on them.

Coun James Alexander, Labour leader of City of York Council.