Small businesses in Keighley are being urged to take on apprentices.

The plea has been issued to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, which began on Monday.

And to encourage take-up, an Apprentice-makers scheme has been launched.

“This enables those considering becoming an employer of apprentices to access independent advice and valuable peer-to-peer mentoring from individuals already committed to supporting apprenticeships within their own business,” said a spokesman.

Figures show less than ten per cent of small businesses offer apprenticeships.

Visit apprenticemakers.org.uk for further details about the scheme.