STUDENTS from St Helens took part in the UK's biggest apprentice graduation at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral.

The ceremony, attended by approximately 1,000 apprentices, their friends and family, recognised those who had achieved Advanced or Higher level apprenticeships between May 2014 and May 2015.

It was part of a nationwide campaign to give apprentices the same recognition that university students receive after completing their degree. It has also helped raise awareness of employment opportunities available to young people across St Helens, Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, Wirral.

Almost 10,000 learners started a Higher Apprenticeship in England during 2012/2013 with key employers including Jaguar Land Rover, Barclays, Ford and BT offering apprenticeships. When combined an Advanced Apprenticeship is equivalent to two A Level passes and Higher Apprenticeships from levels four, five, six or seven form the equivalent of a Foundation degree right up to Masters level.

Stephen Roberts, a member of the Liverpool City Region's Employment and Skills board said: "It is the Government's ambition and mine for it to become the norm for young people to achieve their career goals by going in to an apprenticeship or to university, or in the case of some Higher Apprenticeships doing both, and for there to be two routes to success that are equally recognised as stretching, challenging and rewarding."