IPSWICH: The smell of victory is in the air as we near the midway point in our mission to find 100 apprenticeships in 100 days.

Six apprentices are already in full-time employment after taking up an opportunity created through The Evening Star’s campaign and 32 jobs are being advertised through the National Apprenticeship Service website.

Latest backers include Audio Visual and James White Drinks, located in Ashbocking.

Meanwhile a further 15 vacancies are soon to go online, taking our total to 55.

But with the midway approaching, we need your help to ensure we reach the target of 100 by the end of April.

Urging business to step up to the challenge, Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “The campaign is not only about setting young people on the road to long and successful careers in their chosen fields, but also giving companies and organisations the chance to arm their future workforce with the appropriate skills and revive the local economy.

“We are grateful to everyone that has so far offered their support but now we need other employers to think seriously about whether they could benefit from taking on a new trainee member of staff.”

Apprentices receive the majority of their training through their employers, with colleges and other training providers filling in the gaps so they can achieve a formal qualification at the end of the placement.

The government meets the cost of training, while the employer provides a basic starting wage. Some businesses then chose to keep their new employee on while others recruit another apprentice and start the programme again.

Ipswich-based air conditioning, heating and ventilation company Red Dot Europe, which is looking to take on an apprentice technician.

Sarah Millan, HR manager, said: “We had been looking for some time at the benefits of the apprentice scheme and how that would fit with our company.

“We have been looking ahead to succession planning and we wanted someone we could mould for the future. We want our apprentice to grow with the business.”

She added: “Other employers should take advantage of the scheme, there are a lot of young people looking for a job and for the money involved there are an awful lot of benefits.

“It is a win-win situation.”

n Can your business offer a would-be apprentice the chance to learn the ropes? Get involved in our

apprenticeship campaign by e-mailing michelle.dorrell@archant.co.uk