RADIO talk show host and former contestant on BBC s The Apprentice, James Max, helped launch a nationwide apprenticeship programme yesterday (Monday). The LBC Business Matters presenter, who lost in the semi-finals of the 2005 Apprentice series, made a gu

RADIO talk show host and former contestant on BBC's The Apprentice, James Max, helped launch a nationwide apprenticeship programme yesterday (Monday).

The LBC Business Matters presenter, who lost in the semi-finals of the 2005 Apprentice series, made a guest appearance at The Broadway theatre, Barking, as company bosses and council chiefs pledged to create 750 apprenticeships in Barking and Dagenham.

Council chief executive Rob Whiteman and his team promised 100 places, with another 650 to be awarded by the voluntary sector and companies including Barking Power and medical glassware company Poulten and Graf.

Mr Max, 38, who worked as a chartered surveyor and in senior management roles within property investment, investment banking and finance, was joined by Learning and Skills Council apprenticeship boss David Way.

Labour Cllr Mick McCarthy, executive member for regeneration, said: "We hope that these companies and more businesses will join the programme, having been inspired by what they see and hear during this launch event."

The government has pledged to create 20,000 places in hospitals, schools, town halls and other organisations around the country.