One of Britain's most famous apprentices Ruth Badger put herself in the frame to star in a DVD promoting the real value of being a trainee.

Ruth, now a successful businesswoman, says she owes her prosperity to becoming an apprentice after she left school.

She features in a new DVD called The Real Apprentice II in which she spells out how as a 16-year-old in the Black Country she gained valuable work experience and a qualification as an apprentice.

Speaking at her Manchester business headquarters, the feisty star of the BBC's The Apprentice show explains on film how she didn't enjoy school academically and thrived once she got into the world of work.

Ruth also reveals she is so impressed with the Real Apprentice scheme she is looking to take on three teenage trainees herself.

Now 30 and running three companies, Ruth said she would never have found herself in the position she was in today without the training opportunities she was given in her home town of Wolverhampton.

She added: "I've been an apprentice twice in my life. Once with Sir Alan Sugar and once on what was the old version of the apprentice scheme which was called the YTS programme.

"If I had not started as an apprentice at the age of 16, I would not be in the position I am now as a businesswoman. I am living proof that you can start a career as an apprentice and be running your own business by 30.

"When I came to leave school I had no idea what I wanted to do. If young people want to leave school and get a job, an apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to get real business and work experience.

"I left school with three GCSEs. Within a year of leaving I was being paid and had got a qualification in business administration. I would say to school leavers who do not want to go on to college or university go and be a real apprentice.

"The good thing about The Apprentice TV show was that it gave me an opportunity to showcase my skills, but I would not have had those skills without being given the chance to be an apprentice as a teenager.

"In would certainly employ an apprentice. I would look for and value real experience in the world of work. In fact I'm looking for three apprentices now. The work ethos learned by on-the-job training is invaluable.

"Being an apprentice as a school-leaver gave me confidence and inspiration. At school I could not really learn from book so vocational training really helped me.

"I would say to employers 'give that 16-year-old a job', because at that age, with the right attitude, they will grow and have loyalty to your business. I say give youngsters an opportunity and you could get yourself a real gem."

The Real Apprentice II DVD has been produced by the Black Country Learning and Skills Council and BCTG (Black Country Training Group).

As well as Ruth's appearance the DVD features current apprentices in a range of jobs talking about their own experience.

It will be shown at The Real Apprentice showcases being held in Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell in November.

At the showcases students in years 10, 11, 12 and 13 and their parents and guardians will find out about all the post-16 training and education options available to them. In addition they'll get a copy of The Real Apprentice II DVD.

Currently there are more than 5,000 apprenticeships, funded by the Black Country Learning and Skills Council, available to young people. And there are more than 40 different types of apprenticeship, from retail to plumbing, and engineering to accounting to choose from.

Postcards inviting students and letters inviting parents and guardians to these free showcases are being sent out soon.

The Real Apprentice showcases will be at the The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, on November 4, Walsall Football Club, November 11, Dunstall Race Course, November 13 and Brierley Hill Civic Hall, November 18. All run from 3.30pm to 8pm.

Anyone who wants to find out more about The Real Apprentice showcases or apprenticeships in the Black Country can call free on 08000 321 222 or go to www.therealapprentice.org