Apprenticeship is a family tradition.

A STUDENT from Leamington is busy planning her future and that includes following a family trend of starting with an apprenticeship.

Ria Mason (right) is at present undertaking a course in health and social care and when she leaves school next year plans to start an apprenticeship in children's care with local provider, ETW, which is part of the skills delivery section of the environment and economy directorate of Warwickshire County Council and based in Leamington.

Apprenticeships run in the family as Ria's older brother also completed an apprenticeship in business admin with ETW, and then went on to university to study media and design.

Ria said: "I have always wanted to work with children and hope to move forward to teaching one day.

"The apprenticeship is a good way of getting a qualification while I'm working."

Ria's great-great-grandfather also undertook an apprenticeship in plumbing at the age of 15, which lasted until he was 21.

On his original apprenticeship document, dated 1884, his wages were seven shillings per week.

Apprenticeships go back to medieval times, and one apprentice in butchery was recorded as being in training for 12 years!

It is estimated that apprenticeships will increase over the next 12 years, to 400,000.

There are more than 200 apprenticeships available in over 80 industry sectors.

New research shows that the apprenticeship programme is helping to address skills shortages across the industry and apprenticeships will create a skilled Britain fit for the 21st century.

In line with the government's plans for apprenticeships, ETW provides training in various sectors and now offers 'online assessments' which will enable learners to have more control over their learning.

For more information on apprenticeships and training courses contact Amanda Rowell on 01926 889944.