Businesses across north Norfolk have been challenged to take on an apprentice.

MP Duncan Baker has launched a programme called the North Norfolk 100 Apprenticeships Challenge at Paston College in North Walsham.

Fakenham & Wells Times: MP for North Norfolk, Duncan Baker, speaks at his event challenging the Department of Works and Pensions, and apprenticeships providers, to get 100 people into an apprenticeship in the next two years.MP for North Norfolk, Duncan Baker, speaks at his event challenging the Department of Works and Pensions, and apprenticeships providers, to get 100 people into an apprenticeship in the next two years. (Image: Archant 2022)

Mr Baker said it was a partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, Norfolk County Council, North Norfolk District Council and commercial partners.

Mr Baker said of the launch: "With over 50 local businesses in attendance, from renewable energy providers to fitness gyms, there really was a great mix.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Some of the audience at the launch of Duncan Baker's North Norfolk 100 Apprenticeships Challenge.Some of the audience at the launch of Duncan Baker's North Norfolk 100 Apprenticeships Challenge. (Image: Archant 2022)

"It’s important to bring businesses together and show them the value of investing in our young people."

Among the speakers at the launch were two young apprentices, one of whom said: “If businesses invest in young people, they will invest back”.

Mr Baker added: "It was clear that in his opinion, apprenticeships really are a win-win.

Fakenham & Wells Times: One of the speakers, Julia Nix from the Department of Works and Pensions, at MP Duncan Baker's event challenging the Department of Works and Pensions, and apprenticeships providers, to get 100 people into an apprenticeship in the next two years.One of the speakers, Julia Nix from the Department of Works and Pensions, at MP Duncan Baker's event challenging the Department of Works and Pensions, and apprenticeships providers, to get 100 people into an apprenticeship in the next two years. (Image: Archant 2022)

Fakenham & Wells Times: Ed Rose, assistant principal at at Paston College, was one of the speakers at MP Duncan Baker's apprentices challenge launch event.Ed Rose, assistant principal at at Paston College, was one of the speakers at MP Duncan Baker's apprentices challenge launch event. (Image: Archant 2022)

"We also heard about the huge amount of support on offer to help businesses provide these schemes, travel costs can be provided for and even mopeds for hard to reach, more rural placements."

Mr Baker said any business interested in the challenge could contact his office.