Ford says it is investing £250,000 in the recruitment of up to 50 additional apprentices for its UK commercial vehicle dealerships during 2013.

The funding will be available for UK dealers who recruit 16 to 24 year old CV Sales Executive Apprentices under the Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme.

Successful applicants will gain extensive knowledge of Ford's vehicle product range and become skilled in selling techniques, finance and vehicle appraisals.

Ford CV dealerships will work alongside training provider Skillnet to advertise their vacancies.

Stuart Harris, manager of Ford College, said: “We are delighted to offer this scheme to our CV dealerships, and to be able to provide much needed employment opportunities in today's challenging economic climate.

“The Government is placing an increased emphasis on apprenticeships as an effective and credible route into employment.

“Ford's dealership network recruits more than 500 apprentices every year, making it one of the largest recruiters of apprentices in the motor industry.”