LABOUR leader Ed Miliband has backed the Nottingham Post's apprentice campaign.
Mr Miliband said he is a big supporter of apprenticeships, describing them as being "as important as university degrees".
The Post is currently looking to uncover 300 apprenticeship opportunities in a 100-day period in our Get Notts Working campaign.
To date, 97 have been pledged in 45 days.
Speaking to the Post during a visit to West Bridgford this week, Mr Miliband said: "I congratulate the Nottingham Post on the campaign.
"It is vitally important to have apprenticeships for young people.
"I urge employers to get involved and create opportunities for our young people."
Mr Miliband added that more chances for vocational qualifications in the city, especially disadvantaged areas, were important.
He is the latest high-profile figure to back the Post's apprentice drive.
Previously, Prime Minister David Cameron and millionaire businessman Lord Sugar have also supported it.
The campaign is asking employers in the county to pledge to take on one or more apprentices to give someone a shot at work. Last year the campaign uncovered 230 training places, with 162 being pledged in 2011.
Pledges so far this year have come from a wide range of industries, including traditional sectors like construction, engineering and manufacturing, and estate agents and tourism organisations. They have also ranged from major firms to small businesses.
Construction consultants Faithful+Gould have been among the pledgers.
Director David Picks said: "Apprentices play a big part in our business."
The campaign is being run in conjunction with the National Apprenticeship Service, Nottingham City Council, the Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board, and the Derbyshire and Notts Chamber of Commerce.
George Cowcher, chief executive of the chamber, said: "It is good to see Labour leader Ed Miliband back the 300 in 100 campaign. We have made great progress towards the initial target, but we have still got a long way to go."
Are you taking on an apprentice? Tell marcus.boocock@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
