EXCITING job opportunties are being offered to Halton teenagers.

More than 150 people visited a pop up shop and information bus to find out about apprenticeships.

The bus visited Morrisons in Widnes as part of a summer tour to promote a national apprenticeship service which matches 16 to 18-year-olds to potential employers.

The project has been hailed a success as around 75 youngsters from Halton registered for the scheme.

Halton Clr Ged Philbin, board member for training, said: “The creation of the apprenticeships is part of a commitment to reduce the number of young people in Halton who are unemployed.

He said apprenticeships bring considerable value to organisations, employers, individuals and the economy.

He added: “Businesses are increasingly realising the enormous benefits that apprentices create, not only in terms of developing a highly-skilled workforce, but also by boosting productivity and staff retention.

“Research has shown that apprenticeships are an optimal way of training, developing and giving people the right skills for the future. It helps businesses secure a supply of people with the skills and qualities they need which are often not available on the external job market.”

The shop and bus were manned by experts from Halton Employment Partnership including Halton Council, Riverside College, The National Apprenticeship Service and Connexions.