A new scheme set up to support young people finding work opportunities through apprenticeships is underway following successful launch events across the country.

Run by Barclays Bank, the Bridges into Work launch events took place in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle, with pilot events in Romford and Stoke.

200 businesses have already pledged to get involved in the programme, which is a comprehensive package to help businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, find, employ and train a young apprentice.

Previous research by Barclays indicated that more than half (52 per cent) of small businesses said they would not take on apprentices due to concerns about the amount of time it takes to set up and the additional support they thought a young person would need. 39 per cent of micro businesses (less than 10 employees) cited red tape as the most significant barrier into bringing in an apprentice.

The hospitality and leisure sector is currently leading the way, with 31 percent of businesses surveyed stating they had taken on apprentices and a further 44 percent – the highest of any sector – planning to take on further apprentices this year.