Teenagers across the district will be testing their business skills over the next few months in an apprentice competition. 

A record number of students signed up to the Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge at the launch event at St Columba’s College.

The 16 teams of 16 and 17 year olds will attempt to trun £100 into £1,000 for their nominated charities with the help of local business Dragons. 

Now in its sixth year, the Dragon’s Apprentice Challenge has already raised £105,000 for more than 50 locally based charities and community groups, from Homestart, Centre 33 and Youth Talk to the Harpenden Child Contact Centre and Wendy Gough Cancer Foundation.  

Penny Mortimer who created the Challenge said, "The challenge enables schools, charities and businesses to work closely together and develop relationships which often go way beyond the period of the competition.  

"We’re delighted by the enthusiasm and creativity of local business people who so generously give their time to enable the young people to achieve their targets.  

"Many have been so impressed by their young apprentices that they’ve offered work experience or support in their career development."

The Rotary Club of St Albans Verulamium has supported the Dragons Apprentice Challenge over the last four years, donating more than £4,000 to the scheme.