THE Journal's drive for companies to create as many apprenticeships as possible in 100 days is expected to top 2,000.

Already, 100 Days: The Apprenticeship Challenge has seen businesses in the region sign up more than 1,960 apprentices – 600 more than in the whole of last year’s very successful campaign.

And, as the final entries for the last few days are counted, the total looks as though it will be more than 2,000 this year.

The Apprenticeship Challenge is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) in association with the North East Chamber of Commerce, and is championed by The Journal and its Teesside sister newspaper, the Evening Gazette.

Alan Wallace, head of employer accounts for the NAS, said: “We have once again been overwhelmed by the level of support for the campaign by North East businesses.

“I would like to sincerely thank every employer who has committed to recruit an apprentice.

“Apprenticeships are an extremely cost-effective way of developing staff and offer a significant return on investment.

“The level of support for the campaign from employers of all sizes and from all sectors is testament to this.

“As well as benefiting young people by offering them life-changing career opportunities, apprenticeships also bring many proven benefits to businesses.”

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Com- merce, said: “I would be surprised if any other region in the country has shown the level of support to apprenticeships as we have in the North East.”

To find out more about the 100 Days: The Apprenticeship Challenge, call 08000 150 600, or visit the website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk

You can also find out more about our campaign at www.nebusiness.co.uk/apprenticeships