WIRRAL Council launched its new apprentice scheme with dozens of young people thronging the steps of Wallasey town hall.
One hundred new apprentice positions have been created in local companies with the local authority paying their salaries for the next 18 months.
They will also receive training from The Learning and Skills Council.
The Wirral Apprentices are employed in fields from construction to hairdressing and engineering to hospitality and among those taking part are tea makers Typhoo, and energy company Samelco.
Mike Walton, MD of Samelco, said he was impressed with the scheme and aims to take on apprentices in future years.
Cabinet members Jean Stapleton and Phil Davies, who attended the launch, said the scheme had received “a tremendous response”.
