SkillsActive has announced the launch of a Young Apprenticeship programme for the sport and active leisure sector.

Aimed at 14 to 16-year-olds, Young Apprenticeships are vocational qualifications which aim to address the issue of school leavers entering the working world under-skilled and under-qualified.

Steve Mitchells, entry to the workforce manager for SkillsActive, said: “With the introduction of Young Apprenticeships, we are able to give future employees in the sector the experience they need to get the job they want.”

Two pilot schemes have been set up. Dorothy Stringer Specialist Sports College in Brighton will focus on sport operational service while a partnership of Benjamin Britten Specialist Technology College, The Denes Business and Enterprise Specialist Sports College and Lowerstoft College in North Suffolk will concentrate on sports coaching and development.

Local employers will provide the apprentices with work experience. Companies involved include British Triathlon, Ipswich Town Football Club, Fit for All and a variety of local sports centres. Details: www.skillsactive.com