JAGUAR Land Rover was represented among scores of specialists on hand to help school-leavers find training with jobs at a Dudley apprenticeship event.

Hundreds of youngsters packed The Real Apprentice roadshow, at The Village, in Castlegate.

Dudley Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, councillor Tim Crumpton, also visited the roadshow to find out more about the career opportunities available to Dudley school-leavers.

He said: “This showcase really is a great opportunity for youngsters to see what is on offer. Engineering, particularly, has been the lifeblood of Dudley and it is on the up again. I am especially pleased to see Jaguar Land Rover at this event, talking to young people about the excellent career opportunities available to them.”

The annual Real Apprentice (TRA) showcase is moving on to Walsall and Sandwell. Its aim is to encourage students in years 11, 12 and 13 to consider the thousands of apprenticeship places available to them as part of a push to get more young people into employment with training.

The Real Apprentice showcase is organised by apprenticeship specialists BCTG, based in Oldbury.

Chris Luty, BCTG director, said: “The Real Apprentice showcases have been helping young people for many years now.

"The event has a very good reputation among training providers, colleges and employers who take part and give excellent advice and guidance to young people and their parents about current career opportunities.

"I would urge any school-leaver who wants to consider all their post-16 options to come along to their nearest event.”

Anyone who wants to find out more about being a Real Apprentice can call free on 0845 873 3855 or go to apprenticeships.org.uk or therealapprentice.org.uk.

BCTG works with a range of training organisations across the West Midlands, delivering a range of publicly and privately-funded training initiatives. It is based in Oldbury.