BT has received more than double the number of applicants for its apprenticeship schemes this year, compared with last, according to Alex Wilson, BT’s human resources director

Ahead of Thursday’s A-level results day, Wilson reports that the telecommunications provider’s apprenticeship schemes have attracted almost 24,000 applications for 221 positions in 2010,  compared with 9,000 last year and 10,000 two years ago.

BT needs apprentices in a range of IT roles, telecom roles, electricians and customer service apprentices to either study a BTEC or a Foundation Degree along with the attaining relevant NVQ and key skills.

Wilson says: “BT has had unprecedented interest in its apprenticeship scheme. Given this interest, and BT’s plans to spend £2.5bn on rolling out fibre broadband, the company is now considering whether to expand the scheme. We’ll need engineers to help us deliver superfast broadband and so we hope to tap into the interest that is being shown by young people across the UK. The BT apprenticeship scheme is a good opportunity for young people to earn and learn. Having the chance to get training and a salary is proving to be a popular choice.”