SCHOOLCHILDREN swapped the classroom for the boardroom to become young apprentices for the day.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, giant online electrical retailer AO.com invited teenagers to find out more about the opportunities available to those who want to work while they learn.

Teenagers were invited to from Bolton School, Rivington and Blackrod High School in Horwich, Westhoughton High School and Walton-Le-Dale in Preston

Chris Harvard, emerging talent manager, said: "It is great for the pupils to come for the day to see what opportunities are out there for them through apprenticeships.

"We now have apprentices in project management, marketing.

"Traditionally people just think apprenticeships are available in health and beauty, plumbing and other trades but there are far more opportunities available through the apprenticeship scheme."

The online retailer, which will be sponsoring the forthcoming series of Britain’s Got Talent, started its apprenticeship scheme three years ago.

It’s main cohort are aged 17 to 18, but it has some people in their 20s. And they are able to get a career foothold in hugely competitive fields, such as marketing.

Apprentices undergo a selection process which includes interview and assessment – and in some cases if the applicant impresses, a role is created for them.

They are put on the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and are given a real opportunity to progress.

Mr Harvard said: "They are so enthusiastic and have a chance to work and learn alongside some of the best people in the country.

“They are able to bring a fresh approach to the company and the managers love the scheme and they are getting a salary while getting qualifications."

Mr Harvard said this was an alternative approach which young people could consider alongside the traditional routes — for which, he said, there would always be a place.

Throughout the day, the pupils were tasked with devising marketing strategies for different products including the vinyl record industry and wireless speakers.

Many came up with ideas to promote products across multi-media platforms including television and social media.

Saffron Shamlou, aged 15, from Westhoughton said: "I have really enjoyed taking part in the marketing campaigns, we have come up with ideas for Snapchat.

“With apprenticeships you train while you get paid and with university tuition fees and debt it is something you do think about."

Emma Tildsley, aged 18, is an apprentice developing her career in the fast growing area of digital marketing.

She said: "With university but there is the debt you come out with and AO.com has so many staff benefits, like the spa!

"I am in digital marketing, getting paid and enjoying it. I am still getting qualifications and experience."