Apprentices win chance to impress Shaf

YOUNG apprentices have won the chance to train with one of Scotland's most successful businessmen.

Edinburgh-based entrepreneur Shaf Rasul, nicknamed the "Scots dragon", selected four people from more than 2,000 applicants. They will spend a year working within his expanding business, which includes property, IT and storage media.

Mr Rasul features in an online version of the BBC's Dragons Den, alongside host Dominic Byrne of the Chris Moyles Radio 1 Breakfast Show.

He launched his apprenticeship scheme in response to government figures, which showed youth unemployment hit one million last year.

The four apprentices are Tom Mursell, William Wallace, Amanda Rofall and Fraser McLean.

He said: "Young people have been hit harder than any other age group during the recession, and we launched this search to give four young people their first step onto the career ladder."

He added: "Part of the strategy will also be to mould energetic entrepreneurs, who will have the ability and business acumen to go away and develop world-class businesses that will boost the Scottish economy."

"The standard of candidate has been incredible."