Educating young people about trade should be taught on the national curriculum, said Liam Fox MP, the International Trade Secretary, as he announced the world’s first international trade training scheme.

The two year scheme is open to people of all ages, those who have no previous government experience, or a degree, and has a starting salary of £30,561.

“I think certainly education about trade should be in the curriculum because we are a trading nation,” Mr Fox told The Telegraph.

“I think as we develop an independent trade policy getting any youngsters to understand about the value of trade, as well as the opportunities that it might bring in terms of careers would be a good thing.”

Candidates will spend time working with a sector team in the UK, for example in oil and gas, before taking up a placement abroad in locations such as New York, Beijing or Dubai.