A CONTESTANT from hit reality show The Apprentice has thrown his weight behind the council s plan to create hundreds of new training positions across the borough. James Max, who reached the semi-final of series one in 2004 and is now a popular LBC radio p

A CONTESTANT from hit reality show The Apprentice has thrown his weight behind the council's plan to create hundreds of new training positions across the borough.

James Max, who reached the semi-final of series one in 2004 and is now a popular LBC radio presenter, was a guest speaker at the council's apprenticeship programme launch last Monday (February 23).

More than 100 local businesses were invited to the event, held at the Broadway Theatre, Barking, to learn more about the huge benefits apprentices can bring to a business.

James told company bosses about his own career progression, which he described as a series of apprenticeships, from investment banker to radio talk show host.

Barking and Dagenham Council says it will recruit at least 100 apprentices within its own workforce, and create a further 650 on-the-job training posts in the borough's private, public and voluntary sector.

James told the POST: "It's a great way for young people to enter the job market. They receive structured learning and practical experience, whilst getting paid for it."

For information on apprentice recruitment days call Teri Jewkes on (020) 8270 6530.