A SOLDIER from Crewe has been chosen as an ambassador for the British Army's apprenticeship programme.

Kirsty Ralphs, 26, from Crewe, is training for an intermediate apprenticeship for IT, software, web and telecoms professionals.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Lance Corporal Ralphs was selected to attend a celebratory event at Army headquarters led by the Adjutant General.

The event brought together apprentices from across the country to showcase each of the 47 apprenticeship programmes the army runs.

Lance Corporal Ralphs, a communications specialist with the Army's 3 Logistic Support Regiment, said: "Before joining the Army I didn't have any specific qualifications.

"Now I am on an apprenticeship programme where I am training towards an NVQ.

"My NVQ will be recognised by civilian companies so it's reassuring to know the training I'm receiving is for life, not just for the army.

"I've also become more confident since working on my army apprenticeship, and have higher goals and more established priorities."

National Apprenticeship Week runs from March 9-13, and celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Lance Corporal Ralphs is one of more than 5,500 army apprentices who are set to complete their training this year.

There are around 20,000 who are currently going through the army's apprenticeship programmes.

She added: "It's not just about the hard work though. The army gives you the opportunity to travel the world and meet some amazing people along the way.

"Being deployed to countries around the world have been the best moments of my career - and something I'd never have got the chance to do in a civilian job."

More than 100 Army recruitment events are taking place across the country this month, to give people who might be interested in joining the army as an apprentice the chance to find out more.

Brigadier John Ogden, director of operations, army recruiting group, said: "No matter what your background the army has something to offer you.

"Whether you're a school-leaver or not planning to attend university, and our apprenticeship success rate typically exceeds the national average by 15 per cent.

"With unemployment among young people still very high, the army is playing a significant role in providing the younger generation with skills for life."