Businesses are being encouraged to get involved with National Apprenticeship Week 2014, which runs between 3rd -7th March.

Sam Heppell, human resources manager, said: “As a successful business we are in a position to give young people the chance to develop the skills and confidence that will get them started on the career ladder.”

Madeleine Lloyd Webber, trustee for the foundation, said: “I’m delighted to announce the foundation’s support of these projects which give young people valuable experience within professional arts organisations.”

Research by FE Week has found that over 530 training providers under-delivered on their August 2012 16-18 apprenticeship allocations, by a total of £241.5m.

Strong Voices, a Department for Education funded project, is working with Gateshead College and Sage Gateshead to provide 10 creative apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

Pat Ashworth, Director of AdviserPlus Learning Solutions, said: “Apprenticeship recruitment forms a key part of people strategy and our wider policy to increase the diversity of our workforce. This isn’t a one way street, we’ve found that apprentices bring a fresh perspective to our business.