The Learning to Work charity has hosted an event in Slough designed to challenge the myths around apprenticeships.

Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy in Stoke Road was the venue for the first ever Slough Parents’ Apprenticeship Event as students and parents were able to find out about the many and varied ways into employment available in Slough and the local area.

The event was run in association with Mars and aimed to show that the days are gone when apprenticeships only involved the teaching of basic skills.

A survey from the National Apprenticeship Service found that 87 per cent of parents give careers advice to their children, but as many as 90 per cent do not feel equipped to give it - still associating apprenticeships with the construction, electrical, and plumbing sectors.

Hundreds of parents at the Learning to Work event met volunteers from the Frimley Hospital Trust that runs Wexham Park, the Royal Collection Trust, Windsor Castle and Slough Urban Renewal - among many other companies and organisations able to offer advice on possible career choices.

Rachael Burt. chief executive for Learning to Work said: "The turnout proves the need for this type of activity that equips parents with the information they need to help their children make the right career decisions. We are extremely pleased that we were able to open parents’ minds to the opportunities offered by apprenticeships.”