A SUCCESSFUL entrepreneur, who attended Ellesmere College, is offering pupils from his former school the opportunity of an internship with his company.

Alex Loven, who owns Net World Sports in Wrexham, is offering sixth-form students a 12-month internship, aimed at pupils who either wish to defer higher education for a year or those with no plans to attend college or university.

The internship will be offered to one student this year, wider world events permitting, with the possibility of expanding to more students in 2021.

Mr Loven said he decided to offer the internship after speaking with pupils from the school.

"After delivering a talk at Ellesmere College, I came to understand that university isn't for everyone," he said.

"It certainly wasn't right for me, so I wanted to give the brightest, most-driven students the opportunity to join Net World Sports and grow with us.

"The Net World Sports Business Internship is a post A-level alternative to higher education, giving Ellesmere College students the opportunity to gain practical work experience across several different departments; from sales to customer services, web development and accounts, or logistics and marketing – we have it all.

"All of our current managers have progressed through the business, having gained experience in many different areas.

"Over the last three years we've developed a graduate scheme for post-graduate students that's not too dissimilar from this internship, but now we want to support those that are looking to move away from full-time education."

Dr Tom Gareh, head of Sixth Form at Ellesmere College, added: "Alex is an extremely successful entrepreneur who didn't go on to higher education after he left Ellesmere College but went on to found his own company.

"He came in to college to give our EDGE Lecture and then got back to us about the internship – a scheme Alex and his company feel really passionate about.

"It's a great idea for those students who may want to defer their education for a year or who may have decided not to go to university or college, to get some invaluable workplace experience with a successful company.

"This is an excellent opportunity for one of our students and we are extremely grateful to Alex for involving us in the scheme."