LIVERPOOL hair salon chain Voodou Training is urging local businesses to help cut levels of unemployment in the city by driving young apprenticeships.

Managing director Rob Webb has extended his training arm in an attempt to recruit more young people between the ages of 16 to 24 into hairdressing and barbering.

With the help of new government funding, Voodou Training can offer more than 100 local applicants 12 month training schemes worth up to the value of £3,000.

At the end of the course, all candidates end up with a NVQ level 2 or 3.

He said: “Since we opened our training academy in Stanley Street last year, we have continued to offer young people between the ages of 16 to19 the chance to embark on a number of full or part-time training schemes, which encourage employment, provide qualifications and assist salons wanting extra help on their busier days.

“However, the government has now put more focus on also helping those between the ages of 19-24, which includes NEETs – those who are not in employment, education and training.

“We recognise it’s hard to get into employment today and we wanted to make a difference when it comes to unemployment figures in Liverpool.

“We’re encouraging other salons to assist wherever possible.”