Hundreds of apprentices are to earn some dough while learning how to make the perfect pizza.

Pizza Express UK said it was launching the first ever nationally-recognised qualification in the art of pizza-making, to give 200 youngsters a range of catering skills.

The so-called Pizzaiolo Apprenticeship will run for a year, in conjunction with vocational specialists City & Guilds and lifelong Training, and will include face-to-face tuition, workshops and master classes.

Trainees will work in a kitchen, learn how to make pizza dough and prepare ingredients.

Skills minister Matthew Hancock said: "Hands-on experience with one of the country's leading restaurant chains will prove invaluable for people wanting to go into hospitality."

The company opened its first restaurant in London in 1965 and now has over 400 outlets, employing more than 10,000 staff.

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