by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The Duke of York is giving his royal seal of approval this week to two projects designed to help young people and enterprise.

He will be the county on Thursday to open the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at East Kent College in Broadstairs, and guest of honour at the Kentchoices Live expo at the County Showground.

Founded by entrepreneur and panellist on the BBC television series Dragons’ Den, it offers aspiring entrepreneurs to realise and achieve their business dreams.

The new Academy is based in a contemporary business suite at the centre of the College’s main Broadstairs Campus.

Working towards respected BTEC qualifications, students set up their own real-life business supported by college tutors, business mentors and master-classes from successful entrepreneurs.

At Kentchoices Live, Prince Andrew (pictured above) will visit some of the exhibition stands and have a chance to chat to young people about their career aspirations.

Inspiring young people about future employment opportunities is at the heart of the show, jointly staged by Kent County Council and the KM Group.

It aims to make young people more aware of career options and help them make early choices.

More than 2,000 students are due to attend the free two-day event at the Kent Showground, Detling, on March 13 and 14.

Some 1,200 clients from Job Centre Plus arecexpected on March 14 when hundreds of students aged 16 and 18 to attend.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent Viscount De L’Isle (pictured right) will open the show alongside KCC chairman Richard King. He said he was delighted that His Royal Highness would be honouring the show with his presence.

Lord De L’Isle said: “This is giving Kent’s young people an opportunity to find a career which will motivate their interest for their move into the work place.”

Mike Whiting, KCC Cabinet Member for Education, Learning and Skills, is attending with Cllr John Cubitt, who has particular responsibility learning and skills among the 14 to 24 age group.

Cllr Whiting said: “It can be tough for teenagers to decide what to do after leaving school but Kentchoices Live offers essential guidance to young people to help them make important decisions for their futures.”

More at www.kentchoices4u.co.uk.