THE UK's first one-stop web portal for apprenticeships has been launched by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram today.

Similar to UCAS, the portal brings together apprenticeship opportunities from employers so that potential apprentices in the Liverpool City Region can find all the information they need in one place.

The launch of the portal coincides with National Apprenticeship Week and features details on how to apply for an apprenticeship, how to get there and what travel benefits may be available.

Mayor Rotheram told the Globe: "This is the first website anywhere in the country bringing together such a wide range of information about apprenticeship opportunities and how to apply for them, and we have built it here, in the Liverpool City Region, specifically for our residents.

“In my election manifesto I promised to simplify the way people access apprenticeship opportunities through an easily accessible, online apprenticeship portal for the city region and I’m proud to have fulfilled that pledge.

“Visitors to the site will be amazed at the type of apprenticeships we have in the city region, it’s not just the traditional trades, you can study at degree level and beyond in subjects ranging from Clinical Engineering - to becoming a Paralegal.

"There is certainly much more on offer in terms of opportunities and qualifications than when I did a traditional bricklaying apprenticeship.”

The online facility will be useful tool for employers across Wirral, Liverpool, Knowsley, Halton, Sefton and St Helens to advertise their apprenticeship vacancies.

Alex Ennion from Wirral is in the first year of a three year Healthcare Science degree apprenticeship with Aintree University Hospital, he told the Globe: “When I complete my degree, I’ll be a specialist rehabilitation engineer so I’ll be going out into the community in the North West fitting equipment for patients who have traumatic brain injuries or conditions like Motor Neurone Disease or Multiple Sclerosis.

"By already being in a full time job, I’m working with a lot of cutting edge technology in this field a lot sooner than I would through the traditional route.

“I’ll be helping people by fitting assistive technology in their home which can help them to live more independently.

"These can be tablets that allows the user, who can only move their upper neck, to use their eyes to turn the TV or the lights on or off themselves.”

The portal was built after feedback from consultation with current and prospective apprentices and is part of the Combined Authority’s plans to 'ensure that the city region develops the skills that its economy needs.'

To find out more information about apprenticeships across the region visit www.be-more.info