TEAMS from local schools will be battling it out in a business challenge, following the launch of the Connect St Albans Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge 2012 last Wednesday.

Now in its third year, the competition will see a record 26 teams, from 11 schools across St Albans, Harpenden, Welwyn and Hatfield, take part.

The launch took place at St Columba’s College and saw each team of apprentices paired with a dragon from a local company and a member charity from the Centre for Voluntary Services (CVS).

With guidance from their dragons, the teams will use their skills to develop business ideas to turn �100 into �1,000 or more for their charities, over the next months.

Organisers are hoping to beat last year’s record total of �16,000, which was presented to 12 charities. As well as the much sought after Dragons’ Apprentice trophy, the winning team will also receive prizes, work experience and training opportunities, which have been donated by local businesses.

Project manager Penny Mortimer said: “We always knew we had a winning formula with this challenge and this year has proved it.

“Everyone wins; the young participating teams gain valuable experience; the charities benefit from much-needed income and businesses get a real chance to become closely involved with their local schools and communities.”