by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Inspiring young people about future employment opportunities is at the heart of a special show opening next week.

Kentchoices Live, a joint event by Kent County Council and the KM Group, returns on March 13 and 14 with expert advice for thousands of youngsters.

At a time of high youth unemployment, the expo - held during National Apprenticeships Week - is designed 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 – with 1,200 clients from Job Centre Plus expected on March 14.

The show builds on the Youth Focus event inaugurated in 2007 by Allan Willett when he was Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, and continued in 2010.

His successor Viscount De L’Isle (pictured above), will open the show alongside KCC chairman Richard King. He will be accompanied by a number of Deputy Lieutenants, including musician Jools Holland.

Lord De L’Isle said: “This year The Lieutenancy is focussing on Youth Employment and is very pleased to be supporting KCC and the KM Group at Kent Choices Live.

"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.”

Masterclasses will be on offer to students, and exhibitors range from education, voluntary organisations and apprenticeships to the armed forces and industry.

They include the Royal Air Force, the Hair Academy, Kent Police, IT specialists, Encouraging Programming in Kent (EPIK), Kent Wildlife Trust, BT Apprenticeships, universities and colleges, and Fairbridge Prince’s Trust which will showcase its Get Started With Music project for 16 to 25-year-olds.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales will hold a team business game while Microsoft will be talking about leadership.

Kent Probation Service will ask students to watch a film clip and decide the appropriate sentence.

• Kentchoices Live is being held from 9am to 3pm on March 13 for 11 to 16-year-olds and is only available to pre-booked school groups. On March 14, the event runs from 9am to 3.30pm and is open to students aged 16 to 18, as well as members of the public. More at www.kentchoices4u.co.uk.