STUDENTS who have received their GCSE results can choose from up to 20,000 apprenticeship vacancies, data from the National Apprenticeship Service has shown.

With the growing popularity of the scheme, the National Apprenticeship Service has urged all young people gaining their GCSE results to look at an apprenticeship first.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “With more vacancies than ever before, apprenticeships are fast becoming the norm for people who want to achieve their career goals through an alternative route.

“We want more employers to take advantage of the advice available from the National Apprenticeship Service and consider how hiring an apprentice could benefit their business.”

Call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 from 8am to 10pm.