THE Mayor of Bolton has smashed his target encouraging the borough’s businesses to employ 50 apprentices during his year in office.

Cllr Martin Donaghy launched a challenge when appointed in May 2014, calling on companies to help a young person into work and take on an apprentice.

At least 54 apprentices have now been taken on a by a range of different businesses, and Cllr Donaghy still has four months before he hands over his chains to the next Mayor.

He met with apprentices from Bolton construction company Seddon when they were invited to the Mayor’s Parlour on Friday to celebrate the achievement.

Cllr Donaghy said: “I’m very pleased we have past the target which I set in May 2014.

“There is now between 54 and 57 young people who weren’t in work on May 28 last year who are now in work.

“I’m absolutely delighted to announce that, and I intend to continue with the help of The Bolton News who have been really supportive in my campaign.

“As a former engineering apprentice, I know that when businesses take on apprentices they are giving a chance and a good start to their life.”

One of the apprentices invited for lunch with the Mayor was 19-year-old Jordan Flanagan, who is on course to become a plasterer with Seddon.

After becoming homeless at 15 and leaving school at 16, he was living in a hostel with the help of charity Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme and secured an apprenticeship with first Bolton At Home, and later Seddon.

Jordan, who now has his own flat in Halliwell, said: “The apprenticeship is great. It has helped me get more qualification and earn — it’s made more independent, and helped me after I left school.”

Mr Roy Cavanagh, the training and education executive at Seddon, said the company has always been committed to apprentices and was delighted to help the Mayor reach his target.

Their annual push to take on apprentices across a three-year training contract attracted 800 applicants last year, all vying for just 12 places.

He said: “They say there is a national shortage of apprentices, and young people want to work in our industry —there just isn’t enough companies giving them the chance.

“Many of our managers started out as apprentices. They are what keep the company going.”

Seddon is holding a open day about their apprenticeships on March 11 at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club from 6.30pm, as part of National Apprenticeship Week.