"EARN while you learn" has been the message of the moment as businesses and training providers across York and North Yorkshire marked National Apprenticeship Week.

Dozens of events across the region have been held, promoting apprenticeships as a way to learn industry skills across a range of sectors, with apprentice success stories celebrated over the last seven days.

Former Easingwold School and York Training Centre pupil Kirsty Wood, 25, has been under the spotlight for her achievements working with Caddick Construction while studying an apprenticeship at Leeds College of Building.

Having work as site administrator on the Vangarde Shopping Centre, Miss Wood is now trainee site manager at Kirstall Bridge Shopping Park in Leeds.

She said: "I am really lucky that I have been able to work on two major retail projects in my first two years in commercial build and it’s exactly what I want to be doing.

"It was quite a challenge to go back into education after a few years away but I am back in the swing of it and it’s really enjoyable as it’s relevant to my work.

"My advice to young people looking to work in construction is to do your A-Levels as I think it makes a person more employable and then consider applying for an apprenticeship.

"Being an apprentice provides you with vital skills and hands-on experience that you just don’t get at university. You learn about how to apply yourself in a work place, you have a much better understanding of the business as well as working as part of a team. This is invaluable experience."

Also being held up as an "apprentice inspiration" is 16-year-old Brent Coombs, who started at York College having moved from Belize.

A few weeks into studying the Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment course he successfully interviewed for a technical apprenticeship in Site Management with Futureworks (Yorkshire), and is now working on building the college's new Construction Centre.

Mr Coombs said: "When researching careers online I realised there is a shortage of skills in the construction industry in the UK.

"It was a spontaneous decision to go for the technical apprenticeship role and I am pleased that I did as I am really enjoying the work.

"From what I have learnt so far I would really like to go into Project Management. I am gaining experience on the job and learning at the same time – and getting paid for it! I have the best of both worlds."

Throughout National Apprenticeship Week, City of York Council has been calling on creative business to apply for funding to create apprenticeship and internships across the city in the creative and cultural sector, with up to £3,500 on offer to fund an apprentice, and £2,500 for an intern.

In October last year the local authority announced it received funding of £90,750 to help businesses create opportunities for young people in the creative and cultural sector and there is still time for businesses to apply.

The funding, from Arts Council England and administered by Creative & Cultural Skills, will be used to help create 40 new job opportunities for young people aged 16-24.

Funding will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis and all jobs must start by March 31, next year.

Cllr Janet Looker, cabinet member for Education, Children & Young People said: "This funding offers creative businesses across the city a great opportunity to help develop their business and help start a career of a young person."

For more information on the programme contact Becky Solomon, Business Engagement Assistant on becky.solomon@york.gov.uk or call 01904 554341.