According to a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO), ‘16-to 18-year old participation in education and training’, the overall value for money of the £7 billion spent each year on this age group’s learning has increased.

The new apprenticeship scheme, part of the Haymarket Skills Academy, will combine the rigour of college education with the practical and technical skills required to forge a strong career in today’s media industry.

Through the programme, SMEs have been gaining free and independent advice about the benefits and practical steps involved in recruiting apprentices from hubs based across the region.

So you’ve left school and it’s big decision time. Rather than rush into anything, check out these three top tips for school leavers.

A new report from CIPD, ‘Volunteering to learn: employee development through community action’, shows how volunteering activities can have hidden benefits for businesses if they link schemes to staff development.

Take a look at this video in which two apprentices and two university graduates analyse the career potential for both options.