From left, council leader John Burden, Bluewater apprentice Fiona Graves, and Jacquie McDonnell

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

You're hired!

That's what Gravesham council hopes to hear from local employers as it sets a target of 112 new apprenticeships by 2012.

The campaign was launched this week with an appeal to firms to take on apprentices.

Other areas have launched 100 within 100 day campaigns but Gravesham wanted to be different, linking in the aim with the Olympic year.

Council leader Joh Burden said the scheme was designed to bring employment back into the local community.

The council itself had already created eight apprenticeships which had worked well.

"An apprentice can bring new ideas, new vision, excitement and buzz," he said. All businesses need that enthusiasm."

Higher university fees meant that apprenticeships would become more popular, with professional training being more important than academic knowldege.

"I don't see it as negative at all not having a degree. A piece of paper does not mean they can do the job."

The scheme is run by North West College. Jacquie (corr) McDonnell, assistant managing director business services, said the college would help firms with job descriptions and finding the right apprentice.

"We're happy to shortlist and interview to make sure the apprentice recruited is the right person."

Fiona Graves, 20, from Gravesend, left school with A Levels and is now on the Bluewater Apprentice Scheme.

"It's been brilliant and taken me in different directions I didn't expect. I'm all for apprenticeships in a big way."

Details from Debbie Coleman on 01322 629 775.