by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Vulnerable young people are being helped into work by a new council-backed apprenticeship scheme.

Some 80 places are on offer to teenage parents, young offenders, those who have left care and people with disabilities and mental health problems.

They find it particularly hard to enter education, training and employment, and the Kent County Council scheme aims to raise their self-esteem, as well as giving them confidence to apply for jobs when their one-year apprenticeship comes to an end.

Apprentices, mainly aged 16-18 although some may be a little older, will be able to earn while they gain training, skills and experience. They will be paid £105 per week.

Employers who take on an apprentice will be given support by the South East Apprenticeship Company (SEAC) which manages the scheme.

SEAC will handle administration and maintain regular contact with the young people's key workers.

Of the 80 places on offer across the county, 20 will be with KCC.

Cabinet Member for Community Services Mike Hill said: "This scheme will give a real taste of being in the workplace and we are determined to make a difference to the lives of these young people who are finding it particularly difficult to get a job.

"We want to make sure everyone has the opportunities to succeed and to help those who are especially vulnerable."

More information at www.kentapprenticeships.com