AS thousands of young people consider their post-exam options, Somerset County Training is encouraging them to become competitors on a real life edition of The Apprentice.

Somerset County Training is part of Somerset County Council and offers apprenticeships in a vast array of different fields, from business administration to bricklaying.

These schemes are an exciting and practical alternative to higher and further education for those who have recently picked up their GCSE and A level exam results.

Apprentices not only work towards valuable industry qualifications, they get paid while they are doing it.

Apprenticeship's include Children's Care Learning and Development, Accountancy, Health and Social Care, Oral Health Care, Teaching Assistant, Engineering and Painting and Decorating.

Last year 205 people achieved their apprenticeship with SCT.

Dave Watson, Organisational Performance Manager, said: "The post exam period can be a difficult time, but we want anyone who is still undecided about where to go next to know that apprenticeships have a great deal to offer. You can gain valuable workplace training and experience while earning a wage."

To find out more about SCT, its apprenticeship schemes and other training on offer, contact 01935 or visit www.sct.ac