GREATER Manchester leaders are working to improve apprenticeships in the region.

This week a conference was held about the work being done to make apprenticeships available to all groups.

The conference followed on from the 5 Cities Project launched by the skills minister, Anne Milton, to encourage black, Asian and minority ethnic groups (BAME) and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider the apprentice route to employment.

Leaders are working to encourage employers to be inclusive and show that apprenticeships offer an alternative education and are a clear route to employment.

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor attended the conference at the University of Manchester.

He said: "We’re working hard to make sure Greater Manchester is known as a place where everyone can get on in life and get into work, whatever your circumstances, background or aspirations."