MORE than 6,000 new apprenticeships could be created in Southampton over the next three years.

Civic chiefs have launched a city-wide drive to boost apprenticeship numbers, which will include a new grant scheme available to young people.

As previously reported, earlier this year Labour council chiefs unveiled a raft of proposals to help young people find new careers and learn fresh skills.

Apprenticeship posts are jobs with training, so young people can earn a wage and gain qualifications at the same time.

They are now set to be rolled out across the city, which could lead to 6,600 new apprenticeship posts being created over the next three years.

One of the schemes set to be launched is the grant offered to employers by the city council to create apprenticeship roles.

There will also be a new graduation day event and an apprentice ambassador scheme, which will see current apprentices talk to college and school students.

A new hub will be set up for the council to promote apprenticeships and internships, while civic chiefs hope to see the city become an example of best practice over the next few years.

Most of the new initiatives will be funded through the £953 million City Deal for fresh powers and funding from Government, signed jointly with Portsmouth City Council earlier this year.

Other funding will come from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and European funds.

Nathan Matterson is an apprentice in business and information law at the council’s legal services team.

He said: “I chose to become an apprentice because I originally didn’t know what I wanted to do. I now get to work in an environment where I get trained in an area I want to continue moving forwards with.

“I would suggest this path for anyone looking for their next educational step.”

The council’s education and change chief, Dan Jeffery, said: “We want to continue raising the profile of apprenticeships and it’s important that young people have plenty of opportunities to develop and realise their full potential.

“Apprenticeships give individuals the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification whilst gaining valuable skills.

“Between now and 2017 we are looking to increase apprenticeships as well as reduce unemployment for young people.”