While candidates battle it out on television to win a place in Sir Alan's multi-million pound empire, other hopefuls are trying to develop their skills closer to home.

Neil Snazell, 27, is one of 12 candidates to have won a place on the EDF Energy networks training programme, which trains people for two years to become joiners, linesmen and fitters.

Neil, from Bury, said: "You are well supported here and and get all the equipment you need to do the your work.

"A job with EDF energy seems to be a job for life."

The apprenticeship scheme was re-started by the firm in 1996 to address a shortage of electrical craftsmen in the industry.

The recruits receive formal training at the company's training centres in Barton Road, Bury, and Newmarket Road, Risby.

A boom in housing construction has also seen building firm Haymills launch a search for three fresh talents to work as trainee carpenters.

Appealing only for Flagship Housing Association residents, the firm will award two or three-year apprenticeships to the lucky candidates.

The winning entrants will train for their NVQ 2 qualifications in carpentry at nearby colleges, with day release experience alongside Haymills workers.

Gary Nunn, managing director of Haymills Property Solutions, said the scheme was aimed at cultivating home-grown talent.

He said: "This joint initiative directly addresses the skills shortage in construction at a local level. With the Olympics just around the corner, the demand for gifted and enthusiastic people is greater than ever."

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