FIFTY new apprentices will be recruited by the city council – providing a major boost to the Post's Get Notts Working campaign.
The authority has roles in areas including administration, mechanics, horticulture and its highways department.
The pledge means the Post has now passed the halfway point in our search for 300 apprentice roles in 100 days.
Councillor Nick McDonald, portfolio holder for jobs, skills and business at the council, said: "Apprenticeships are a real focus for the city.
"They create training and employment opportunities for our young people and we want many more of them in Nottingham.
"As one of the city's largest employers, the city council is setting an example by investing in Nottingham's young people.
"We want to be to known as a leading city for apprenticeships and need our city's employers to also provide new opportunities for apprentices by taking advantage of the support we can offer them."
The council already has dozens of apprentices on its books, including Zara Kenton and Zia Ahmadzai.
Both are working towards level 2 business administration qualifications.
Zara, 18, of St Ann's, started by supporting Bilborough councillor Marcia Watson.
She said: "I was doing things like taking messages and chasing outstanding complaints.
"I have been doing other things like writing letters and sorting the mail."
Zara has now progressed to working more independently in support of more councillors at the authority.
"I really enjoy the work I do," she said.
"It's been a great experience – I wasn't doing much before I started and now I am learning new skills and building a good future."
Zia, 20, of The Arboretum, is responsible for answering phones, filing information and making sure council statistics and databases are up to date.
He said: "It's good work that I enjoy doing and I have met some really good people.
"I would recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone out there who is looking for their options."
Both Zara and Zia are based at the council's offices in Loxley House in Station Street.
The authority is a partner in the Get Notts Working campaign with the Post.
Employers in Nottingham receive a grant of £9,000 for taking on an apprentice who lives within the city boundaries.
Other partners in the campaign are the Derbyshire and Notts Chamber of Commerce, the National Apprenticeship Service and the Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board.
