Companies across the town have pledged their support for an Evening Star campaign to boost young peoples’ job prospects.

Our 100 in 100 apprentice campaign – aimed at creating 100 new opportunities for aspiring workers in 100 days – has kicked off with a bang.

Today, staff at Otley College have put their weight behind the campaign by taking on two new apprentices.

Ryan Crisp, 17, from Ipswich, and Louise Ling, 18, from Framlingham, have both started Level 2 apprenticeships in business administration.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work at Otley,” Ryan told the Star.

On their first day, the duo met up with three former Otley apprentices who have now gone on to work for the college full time.

College spokesperson, John Nice, said: “As a college, it is essential that we are seen to be leading the way when it comes to helping people gain apprenticeships and we are delighted to be playing a part in this excellent Evening Star campaign. We are really pleased to welcome our two new apprentices to the college.”

Already businesses across Ipswich and beyond have shown their support for our exciting campaign, vowing to take on apprentices.

Ipswich Hospital, Ansaback, Suffolk New College and Ipswich Building Society have all committed to taking on a new junior member of staff and will provide them with the training they need to develop the skills that will earn them a living for years to come.

Anyone looking to become an apprentice should register their details at www.apprenticeships.org.uk. Businesses looking to take on an apprentice should send an e-mail to starnews@eveningstar.co.uk or call 01473 324788.

n Has your business helped a worker turn their life around? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk