Prince William is at the forefront of the government’s skills strategy as he has agreed to take on an apprenticeship this autumn – one which will teach him how to become king.
The 26-year-old will learn what it takes to sit at the throne by undertaking a two-year training programme in the New Year, drawn up by the Queen and his father, Prince Charles.
The scheme will see the Prince working in different Whitehall departments to gain a better idea of how the government works, as well as adopting more charities and taking on a larger role as senior representative of the Queen.
The Prince is due to finish his two-month stint at the Royal Navy this Friday, and sources close to the Royal Family have said he is looking forward to becoming a Royal Apprentice.
“Prince William’s main aim for 2009 is to gain a general understanding of how the country operates regarding the legislature, legal system and the great offices of state,” a senior royal aide told The Daily Telegraph.
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Earlier this month the government launched a draft Apprenticeship Bill to encourage more employers to offer apprenticeships.
Skills secretary John Denham said every suitable school leaver should have the right to start an apprenticeship by 2013, but admitted there are not enough employer placements at present.