A city firm is supporting the campaign to get more young people into the workplace.
Bath Building Society has given its name to the plea for more companies in Bath to consider taking on young apprentices.
Last year in Bath more than 600 business took on apprentices.
The building society's support comes after a successful apprenticeship at the company which resulted in the hiring of 19-year-old student Ashley Allsop.
The Queen Square company has said it is now looking for its next apprentice.
Bath Building Society's head of savings and investments, Mark Wiltshaw, said: "The past year has given Ashley the opportunity to get used to the world of work while allowing us to help a young person with a great deal of potential gain some credible work experience.
"He spent time in three different departments, worked hard and really impressed us which is why he now has a permanent position.
" I suspect many local businesses could benefit from taking on an apprentice. Not only does it help young people in the community get some valuable work experience but it can provide a useful proving ground and potentially recruitment stream for your business."
The apprenticeship, run in partnership with the City of Bath College, lasted a year and involved Ashley spending time in the office but also in the classroom working on an NVQ in business administration.
City of Bath College principal, Matt Atkinson, said: "Apprenticeships are a great way for today's young people to get a foot on the career ladder and learn skills they will keep with them all of their working life.
"I'm delighted to be working with Bath Building Society on developing the potential of our apprentices, contributing to a well-trained workforce and cultivating possible future leaders."
Ashley said: "I found that my apprenticeship with Bath Building Society gave me really good hands-on experience.
"I am pleased that my hard work has paid off and that it has resulted in a full-time job.
"The apprenticeship scheme allowed me to work in a professional environment and earn a modest wage while continuing with my studies at the City of Bath College.
"I would certainly recommend an apprenticeship to other young people."
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