Hundreds will gather at Rochester Cathedral today for the county's first apprentices graduation ceremony.

The event is designed to celebrate the achievements of those completing apprenticeship courses in a way similar to those clinching their degrees.

Hosted by a group of organisations across Kent and Medway, guest speakers will include Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst and chair of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, Christian Brodie.

Alison Parmar, development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, explained: "We want to celebrate the apprentices’ achievement in the same way a university graduate is celebrated.

“Apprentices can be a fantastic recruitment solution for small firms as well as a viable route into an interesting career. We are delighted to be able to highlight over 100 apprentices’ achievements today.”

Alex Dean, an event sponsor and national apprenticeship manager at Clarion Futures, said: “An apprenticeship can be the springboard to an amazing career.

"Whether it’s your very first experience of being employed or you’re exploring a new career path, an apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to earn and learn."

The FSB is also hosting a VIP reception for businesses prior to the event.

It will be hosted by Paul Andrews, CEO of Jobs in Kent and Nicola Everett of Kent commercial radio station kmfm.

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