Ashfield MP Lee Anderson hosted an Apprenticeship Jobs Fair for secondary school students after spotting that young people needed to be made aware of the opportunities at local firms.

At the fair at Sutton Community Academy, businesses from Ashfield and neighbouring areas gave details of vacant positions in roles such as engineering, sales, IT, and welding to name a few.

Schools sent Years 10 and 11 students.

There was also advice on application forms, CVs, and interview skills — and students heard from current apprentices, who talked about their jobs and the opportunities they now had.

Lee, pictured centre with West Nottinghamshire College representatives, said: “It was great to see students engaging with the businesses. There’s so much on offer for people who go down the apprentice route.

“Some of the companies in attendance had directors who started with the company as apprentices.

“It’s given students something to consider going forward and speaking to current and previous apprentices helped them understand what is on offer.

“Thank you to all the businesses and schools that took part and a big thank you to Sutton Community Academy for offering us the use of their venue.”

Josh Lawson, from Subtronix Ltd, Sutton, one of the businesses that attended, said: “It was great fun attending the fair and the students were really engaging. I will definitely do one of these events again.”