A ROUNDTABLE debate about apprenticeships has been staged in Worcester - with the city's MP meeting employers head-on to try and boost the take-up even more.

Robin Walker hosted a bash at New Road cricket ground last week bringing together some of the county's best known organisations to discuss the topic.

In recent years the number of apprentices have rocketed past 10,000 in the county, a four-fold increase.

The surge has been widely credited with helping Worcester's falling youth unemployment rate, which has dropped to a record low of 290 18-24 year-olds, and 1,135 people across the county.

During the event last Thursday young apprentices were on hand to talk about their experiences so far and debate why they opted against other career pathways.

The likes of Sanctuary Housing, Worcester Bosch, Mazak, internet security firm Titania, based in Barbourne Road, and Barclays Bank were among those present.

Emily Draper, an apprentice stonemason at Worcester Cathedral, said: "If I was more aware of apprenticeships when I was younger I would have jumped at it."

Mr Walker said: "We discussed some of the common myths about apprenticeships such as the idea that they replace other jobs or that they only support people temporarily.

"It was clear that all the employers present recognised that they were investing in their apprentices for the long term and that it was in their interest to keep them as long term employees.

"It was inspiring to hear from some former apprentices achieving success and promotion within their firms and to discuss examples such as the management of Worcester Bosch who started their career as apprentices.

"These are real gateways into a career.

"It is no coincidence that over the same period that apprenticeships have doubled in Worcester the number of young people out of work has halved but we should not just see apprentices as statistics, the really vital thing is the opportunities for development that they offer."

Since 2010 two million people have got into work via apprenticeships across the country.

During the cricket club event those present held up placards saying 'I am one of the two million, thank you' which will be used to produce a short firm to promote apprenticeships with schools and careers advisers.

St John’s Windows and Doors, Bishop Perowne College, Worcester Sixth Form, Heart of Worcestershire College and Green Lighting Ltd, based at Great Western Business Park in McKenzie Way completed the line up.