Amidst concerns about funding, resources and commitment, councils need to move away from the mindset that cutting out trainees is an easy saving. Instead,they must take the lead in providing a vital first step on the career ladder, says 2012's Apprentice, Katie Wright.

It is hard to compare practical apprenticeships to a TV show where overzealous candidates fight tooth and nail for financial investment from a man we were instructed to call 'Lord', but since appearing on the last series of The Apprentice I have been provided with the opportunity to see the impressive work that councils are doing to promote and deliver apprenticeships.