SIR Alan Sugar might have found his apprentice – but a Merseyside council is looking for 100 more trailblazing young hopefuls.

Following the success of last year’s Knowsley Apprentice, the borough is once again on the search for 100 teenage participants.

The programme, backed by former Apprentice runner-up Ruth Badger, will provide full-time paid employment for three years.

More than 500 people have applied for the chance to kick-start their career in some of Knowsley’s most prestigious businesses.

No qualifications or experience are needed, just plenty of enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

The applicants will be whittled down before a gruelling interview process selects the best young apprentices for the job.

Cllr Ron Round, leader of Knowsley council, said: “Knowsley Apprentice is all about giving young people plenty of options for their future.

“Further education may not be for everyone and becoming an apprentice is a fantastic way to learn a trade, while studying towards a qualification and earning a wage.

“Last year’s Knowsley Apprentice was a huge success, and we now have more than 100 young residents in full-time employment.”