EMPLOYERS can help out-of-work youngsters earn discounts on CDs and other goodies by giving them on-the-job experience. Under a new Government-backed "smart" card scheme, young people will be rewarded for training.

But to do that, they need work placements, and that's where employers come in. KEY Training Services, based at the Upbury Manor Centre, Gillingham, is the first organisation in the county to launch the Connexions Card.

Other KTS centres in Gravesend, Margate, Folkestone and Canterbury are also offering the pioneering incentive. The card aims to encourage young people to stay in post-16 education and is free to 16-19 years olds.

Young people build up points by using their cards to register attendance at a

work-based training centre. As the points tally rise, the cardholder is entitled to a range of goods and services.

Terri McDonald, KTS regional marketing officer in Gillingham, said she wanted employers to know the benefits from offering work placements. She said that some employers had been put off by their experience of work placements. But the new scheme should make young people more eager to benefit from their efforts.

"Employers need to be aware that our young people can offer so much to the workplace," she said. "Offering a young person a long term placement will enable tomorrow's workforce to fulfil their potential. At the same time, they will be investing in the future of our county."

KTS will support the young learner, and pay training allowance and travel expenses. "We train them to a high standard. All we ask from the placement is to give these focussed young people the opportunity that they deserve and contribute a nominal amount towards their allowance."

Taking on a young trainee would enhance their workforce and save employers the cost of recruitment, she said. KTS, the training arm of KCC Youth and Community, is the largest training provider in the county.

It offers young people training in a range of skills, including modern apprenticeships, business administration, customer services, retail and warehousing, IT, child care, care, catering and hospitality, horticulture and basic skills.

KTS can also offer free training to 16-18 year olds who are already employed. More details on 0800 7314297.