AN awards ceremony audience heard that many young people are getting it wrong when they train for their futures. David Ball, chairman of the Horwich-based Bolton training Group, said BTG was proud of its achievements. "We have a long tradition in the training of young people and believe that the work-based route is the most successful way to provide a well-trained and flexible workforce," he said.

"It is unfortunate, however, that many young people who would benefit from this route choose to follow 'A' level or GNVQ courses instead," he went on.

"The high drop out and failure rate from these courses, I believe, indicates that many young people have made the wrong decision." Mr Ball, who is managing director of Webster Drives Ltd in Folds Road, Bolton, was speaking at the BTG Annual Trainee Awards Ceremony in the Moat House Hotel, Bolton.

He said the evening's winners had been selected from the 400 trainees on their programmes.

Mr Ball called for a raising of the standards of education and training in the UK through a sustained effort by all the parties involved and - "an even playing field provided by appropriate Government policies."

He said: "Germany, France and other competitor countries have all achieved progress by adopting a sustained approach, rather than forsaking one initiative for a new one.

"Our future prosperity depends on the action we now take." Currently there were 65 young people following the Modern Apprenticeship programme with Bolton Training Group - a figure which was expected to double in the next 12 months.

"I hope that more employers take the opportunity to recruit young people as Modern Apprentices within their companies," he said.

The ceremony was hosted by BTG chief executive David Guthrie and the awards were presented by Canadian Jeff Lindsay, captain of the successful Manchester Storm ice hockey team which plays at the impressive new Nynex Arena in Manchester.

There was an address by Bernard Eccles, the team's Commercial Manager.

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