APPRENTICES from Derwent Training Association just missed out on a spot in the national finals of the Brathay Apprentice Challenge – the search for the apprentice team of the year.

Members of the Malton-based association travelled to the House of Commons to hear the announcement by Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service.

As part of the challenge the Derwent team of apprentices organised a community project, conducted visits to schools and youth groups to talk about the benefits of apprenticeships and hosted business breakfasts to talk to potential employers about offering apprenticeships.

All the teams taking part have spread the word about apprenticeships to employers across England and recruited nearly 300 businesses to start offering apprenticeships. In addition, the teams visited more than 320 schools, career fairs and youth groups to encourage young people to consider apprenticeships.

Ms Husband said: “The apprentice team of the year finals demonstrate the skills, knowledge and desire to succeed from apprentices; and this continues to inspire others and impress us in equal measure. It is great to see apprentices put in the hard work to get the recognition they deserve, highlighting how apprenticeships benefit not only young people themselves, but their employers and their local community too.”

Godfrey Owen, chief executive of the Brathay Trust, said: “All of the teams that have taken part have worked really hard and the quality of the portfolios increases year on year.”