A weekly newspaper has launched a partnership with a college which will see at least 10 new apprenticeships created for local people.

The Wirral News has joined forces with Wirral Metropolitan College to create an apprentice competition, which has started with an invitation to apply for six places in the construction industry.

Launched in the paper’s new business and enterprise section, Wirral Works, the Wirral Apprentice Challenge will see people compete for a placement with Wirral Partnership Homes – which will include completing a number of challenges.

The launch comes on the heels of the Wirral Team Challenge which began in February to introduce 16-18-year-olds to new skills, to guide them in their career decisions.

Seven youngsters took part in the first scheme and found out more about jobs in a range of areas, including forensics, catering, media and construction – with many applying for courses at the college as a result.

Executive editor Jane Clare said: “As a paper we have always have a good relationship with Wirral Met and a few weeks ago I suggested to them that we explore creating our own apprentice competition.

“It’s amazing how from little acorns big oak trees grow. The idea kick-started a whole series of development meetings and between us we’ve come up with two great new initiatives, bringing on board local businesses who have created new apprenticeships targeted to our new schemes.

“I’m thrilled that these jobs would not have existed if the paper and Wirral Met had not begun to throw around the ideas in the first place.”

The Trinity Mirror title and the college have yet to announced other new apprenticeships which will be created under the project.

Sue Higginson, assistant principal at the college, said: “From developing the concept with us, to providing a launch pad for this initiative, Wirral News has put its weight behind promoting opportunities in Wirral.

“Wirral Works provides a great framework upon which to promote the many things that Wirral does well, so that they can share this with the wider community.”