A campaign to raise the profile of apprenticeships in Norfolk and encourage more companies to offer the schemes has attracted the attention of hundreds of young people.

Since it was launched two weeks ago, 1,540 people have visited the new Apprenticeships Norfolk website to find out more about it.

Almost 130 young people and local businesses have registered with Norfolk County Council, which is running the campaign, to say they are interested in benefiting from the initiative.

The Apprenticeships Norfolk Fund will see up to 400 apprenticeships in small and medium-sized businesses created over the next two years thanks to �3.5m in funding from the county council.

Ann Steward, cabinet member for economic development, said: 'We were thrilled that so many young people came to the launch at the Forum in Norwich last month. About 700 during the course of the day spoke to the many businesses which were at the event to ask for advice about apprenticeships.

'The response we have received so far in just a fortnight is proof that there is demand in the county to create new jobs and to help boost the workforce of local businesses.'

The fund is being administered by three training providers, led by the College of West Anglia and supported by City College Norwich and Broadland District Council Training Services.

PIL Membranes is a manufacturing company based in King's Lynn which has recently signed up to the Apprenticeships Norfolk scheme.

Managing director Mark Littlewood said: 'As our company is in the manufacturing industry, it is not always possible to attract the right candidates when positions arise.

'Having apprentices allows us to mould the person right from the start as they are potentially new to the sector and they can really grow within the business, gaining new skills at the same time.'

Young people and businesses keen to find out more about Apprenticeships Norfolk can visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/apprenticeships or call 0344 800 8024.