An open day was held to raise awareness and inform young people in Breckland about their options after leaving school.

Nova Training - a training provider which supports people aged 14 to 24 through study programmes, traineeships and apprenticeships - held the event at its Thetford centre at The Maltings, in Raymond Street.

The organisation offers training and apprenticeship opportunities in a number of fields, including construction and hospitality, and helps people to find employment.

Thetford mayor Terry Jermy and his consort visited the open day and took part in some of the workshops.

He said: “Historically with the recession, it has been a lot harder for young people to get employment. Apprenticeships are much more of a choice for young people and offer a really good opportunity.

“Nova Training are trying to highlight it is a good choice to get involved with apprenticeships. These days they are a really good choice to get a career and there are a really good variety.”

Norfolk is above the national average for the number of people involved in apprenticeships.

And Breckland is the highest district, with 1,250 new apprentices in the year leading up to 2016.

Mr Jermy, who is also a district councillor and is on the economic development sub committee, said: “I think it is something to be really proud of that Breckland is doing so well.

“We want to make sure we have the variety now.”

He added: “I was so impressed with the facility they have got available.”

Carl Fiander, the centre manager of Nova Training Thetford, said the courses offer a different education direction for youngsters.

He said: “We offer apprenticeships, traineeships for people as an alternative to sixth form and college. Many young people struggle with the environment of college or sixth form. They feel they don’t fit in.

“The event was held to raise awareness and to set up interviews with our programmes. It went very well and we were happy to receive the mayor and his consort.”

Another open day will take place at the centre on Thursday, April 13 from 10am to 4pm.