Looking for that fresh start or a change of career direction? An Apprenticeship is the way to ensure that you start on that new career path!

The National Apprenticeship Service has around 1150 new Apprenticeship vacancies available in the West Midlands, of which around 103 are with businesses in Worcestershire and 49 in Herefordshire, so now is the time to take that important first step and apply for one of these vacancies.

The Apprenticeships on offer include jobs in a wide range of occupations including Assistant Sauce Chef, Operations Development Apprentice, Apprentice Butcher, Care Assistant, IT Software Developer, Chef Apprentice, Apprentice Stylist, Trainee CAD Designer, Finance Assistant Apprentice and Apprentice Sales Executive. And there are some inspiring companies to work for who are all now looking to recruit apprentices and offer great new career opportunities to local people.

Karen Woodward, Regional Director for the National Apprenticeship Service in the West Midlands said: “We have some great opportunities on offer for keen and motivated individuals. It’s always really tough for people to get their foot on the career ladder, so Apprenticeship vacancies is there to help. What better way to start 2011.

Applying is easy. You just go to the National Apprenticeship Services website www.apprenticeships.org.uk and register on Apprenticeship vacancies to apply for your new job. “Apprenticeships are real jobs with quality training. They boost skills, provide qualifications and give the apprentice the chance for a fresh start.”

Susan Hateley from AFH Independent Advisors said: “We are currently looking to recruit an apprentice, it makes good business sense.

By offering an Apprenticeship opportunity we get a trained and skilled individual to support the future growth of our business and in return the apprentice gets the opportunity to start their career with us, earning while they are learning.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships and to apply for any of the vacancies available, visit the website www.apprenticeships.org.uk and register on the Apprenticeship vacancies system.

Local employers who would like to find out more about employing an apprentice should call 08000 150 600 or check out the National Apprenticeship Service’s website www.apprenticeships.org.uk