A successful apprentice is encouraging young people in Hyndburn to follow in his footsteps and find out about a range of training places up for grabs.

Paul Oxton began looking for an apprenticeship after leaving Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School and said he found the ideal opportunity at Accrington and Rossendale College.

The 21-year-old works and studies at the college for a business and admin level 2 apprenticeship and is a big fan of mixing both practical work and theory.

A Hyndburn Apprenticeship Event is set to take place in Accrington Town Hall next week where people aged 16 to 24 will be able to find out about apprenticeships direct from employers and training providers.

Paul, from Accrington, is urging young people to come along.

He said: “It's important to get practical work experience and a solid knowledge as well.

“The apprenticeship is pretty much what I expected it to be. When you graduate from an apprenticeship you can be confident that you can do the job, because you've already spent a large part of your apprenticeship actually doing it.

“Apprenticeships are a really good way for young people to take their first steps towards into a career.

“So for anyone considering an apprenticeship I’d say go for it and the Hyndburn Apprenticeships event is a great chance to get expert advice, try a trade and even apply and get an interview for some vacancies.”

The Hyndburn Apprenticeship Event will be opened by MP Graham Jones and candidates will have the chance to try out a range of skills and trades including dentistry, joinery, painting and decorating along with hair and beauty.

It has been organised by Hyndburn Council in association with Hyndburn Chamber of Commerce, Accrington & Rossendale College, North Lancs Training Group, Training 2000 and Lancashire County Council.

The free event will take place on Friday, June 21 from 4pm to 7pm and all attendees will be entered into a free prize draw for the chacne to win an IPAD mini.

For more information visit www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk or call Kirsten Burnett on 01254 388111.