Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Peter Jones and Skills Minister Matthew Hancock launched a new business apprenticeship scheme at Westminster Kingsway College.

The new level five higher apprenticeship in business innovation will be run by the college and the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, which was founded by Mr Jones in 2009.

The apprentices will work with a range of prestigious companies, including Grant Thornton UK, Jessops and Waltham Estates.

Mr Jones, who gained fame through BBC TV show Dragons’ Den, attended the official course launch with Mr Hancock.

Mr Jones said: “There is a real need for people to learn how to run a business and we are incredibly proud to launch this higher apprenticeship.”

Mr Hancock said: “It is great to launch this with the Peter Jones Enterprise. Westminster Kingsway College is at the leading edge of delivering these programmes”

Cap from left: Apprentice Sophie Whitelock, aged 20, Skills Minister Matthew Hancock, chief executive of the Peter Jones Foundation Alice Barnard, Peter Jones, assistant principal of Westminster Kingsway College Geoff Booth, and apprentice Rhys Huggett, 19