Lifetime are just one of numerous local companies who are benefitting from the addition of an apprentice into their ranks.

New apprentice Giorgio Williams (pictured below) started at Lifetime House last week and has already settled in nicely into his role within the administration department.

Apprenticeships is certainly a subject that takes centre stage in the next few days.

National Apprenticeship Week (March 9 to 13) is celebrating apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.- and is particularly aimed at encouraging small businesses to take on apprentices.

In Barnsley there are 5,320 apprentices, working in everything from manufacturing and engineering to business administration and IT.

Judy Sidebottom, HR business consultant for business support programme Enterprising Barnsley, said: “Nearly every employer that takes on an apprentice, that’s 96 per cent, says it benefits their business, and in two thirds of cases the apprentices stay with the company.

“We’re proud that there are so many apprentices in Barnsley, but we’d love to see even more.”