As National Apprenticeship Week kicks off, Mitchells & Butlers is unveiling an innovative and unique new Apprentice Scheme designed to recruit its managers of the future.

Leading the way in the hospitality industry, this career advancing apprenticeship scheme will be launched by BBC Apprentice finalist Saira Khan, who recognises the importance of inspiring young people and unlocking their future potential.

Combining practical, on the job training with study, the new scheme is the first in the hospitality sector to offer apprenticeships from 16 years of age, across front and back of house roles. This pioneering framework gives young people the platform to learn valuable skills while building a career with M&B and one day could see them running a million pound business.

Saira Khan said: "As a business woman I believe it is essential that we offer young people the opportunity to get excited about business. By launching this new scheme Mitchells & Butlers are creating a secure pathway for their apprentices to explore business, build confidence and gain skills that set them up for life."

The new scheme is set to begin recruiting its first apprentices from March and will add to the 1,400 apprentices currently working across Mitchells & Butlers.

Jan Smallbone, Director of Learning & Talent Development, Mitchells & Butlers comments: "We didn't just want to develop a successful apprenticeship scheme; we wanted M&B to offer the best scheme in the hospitality industry. Our apprentices will work across our portfolio of brands, learn from our experienced teams, gain a professional qualification and have a real opportunity to progress up the ladder. Your career really can start with us and help us harness a pipeline of talent for the future."

The scheme, known as the Hospitality Management Development Apprenticeship has been created in partnership with Lifetime Training. The programme is open to 16-19 year olds and will deliver all the underpinning knowledge, skills and behaviours that new recruits need for a successful career in the hospitality industry - in both front and back of house roles. It is a three year programme that will support team members throughout their development - from Intermediate (Level 2) through to Higher (Level 4) apprenticeship completion. There is also the potential to move on to degree level qualifications, offering young people a real alternative to university.

Alex Khan, CEO of Lifetime Training, said: "There is no better way to grow future leaders and managers than by developing those from within and that is how we've approached the new apprenticeship programme. The programme combines a unique package of programmes delivered throughout the four years that will see future managers gain insight from the ground up in hospitality services, leadership, and management."

For more information on the Mitchells & Butlers Apprentice Scheme, how to apply and variety of roles available visit www.mbapprenticeships.co.uk