Pictured: Elaine Nester, Alpha Ontrac director, says LaunchPad develops potential in delegates

A Midlands company has developed a unique project for cash-strapped SMEs which also aims to develop the career prospects of young people in the county.

Alpha Ontrac created LaunchPad to support entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses which need to develop and market their brand cost-effectively.

But the initiative is also a fast-track alternative to university for youngsters, a free training scheme which sees apprentices on 12 or 24 month courses, work on live marketing projects alongside Shrewsbury-based Alpha Ontrac's experienced team.

Alpha Ontrac director Elaine Nester said the scheme was particuarly relevant given the record youth unemployment figures this month and rising university tuition fees.

She said: "More than 85,000 employers in the UK offer apprenticeships covering around 200 different jobs, but many of them are not focused on the creative sector.

"It's very satisfying to see how the young people taking part develop and it has benefits for the business too. It helps our team to learn as they mentor delegates, enables us to develop new products and services without the associated costs.

"LaunchPad services are offered to qualifying companies at 50 per cent of standard rates with the work undertaken by apprentices under the creative direction and supervision of our senior staff.

"Established businesses can also access the scheme if they have new products/services to launch but start-ups and SMEs which have been trading less than two years are given priority."

Hannah Wright, of Telford, was the first delegate to take part in the LaunchPad initiative and now works with Yell.com in website development.

She said: "It gave me the opportunity not only to learn new skills but to do so in a business environment. LaunchPad ensured I was qualified to build a career but also prepared for working within a business. It gave me the chance to work with clients directly and gain valuable experience."

The LaunchPad courses from Alpha Ontrac, which also has offices in Bristol, Cardiff and Mid-Wales as well as in Shrewsbury, are funded by selling the work of delegates into the marketing services trade which generates income to pay for training.

LaunchPad allows Alpha Ontrac to develop delegates so they are prepared for employment or self-employment at the end of their training period. One to one assistance is then given to help prepare CVs, interview techniques and also, if required, with skills needed to set up a freelance business.