MORE than 320 young people and their parents flocked to Sale Waterside Arts Centre for Trafford Council's latest Connexions Apprenticeships Fair.

The council says the fair on February 13 was part of its commitment to support school and college leavers and unemployed young people.

During the day more than 25 Greater Manchester businesses and training providers were available to chat with those attending and to help them find out more about the 200-plus different apprenticeships available.

There was also the chance to get professional career advice and guidance and many of the young people took the opportunity to register with the National Apprenticeship Service. Registering means that they will now receive notice of all upcoming apprenticeship opportunities - meaning it is likely more of them will join over 1500 Trafford young people already benefiting from apprenticeships.

During the day attendees were asked to complete an evaluation survey, which provided some extremely positive results. These included: * 97 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that there was a good range of apprenticeship opportunities available.

* 94 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that as a result of attending they have applied or will apply for opportunities seen on the day. This could see up to 222 young people securing a paid apprenticeship as a direct result of the event.

* 96 per cent of young people felt the fair met their needs and expectations.

Attendee Joseph Buckley, aged 17, said: "I have certainly found the fair to be very useful and beneficial because of the friendly atmosphere created by the staff. I have been able to pick up lots of valuable information about vacancies."

Chief executive of Salford and Trafford Engineering Group STEGTA, Ian Parker, declared the event: "A resounding success, we were inundated with interested learners."

Executive councillor Mike Cornes said: "The council is determined to play its part and support our local young people, with this Apprenticeships Fair another example of how we do this. It is encouraging to see so many taking advantage of the opportunities the fair gave them to get advice and find out more about the varying apprenticeships out there."

Any 13-19 year-olds who weren't able to get to the fair can contact Trafford's Connexions Service for professional career advice. They can either visit www.connexions-trafford.gov.uk or call 0161 911 8600.