CALLING all industry insiders – be a champion and inspire young people to turn on to business.

Worried that the future of industry could be under threat without a new generation of skilled workers, experts have unveiled a pioneering scheme they hope will show industry and business as exciting career options.

They are looking for experienced people with at least five years in their industry to take on the role of ambassador, mentor and hero.

But their urgent plea for industry champions has so far failed to attract enough volunteers.

Only 25 have signed up, well short of the 100 target set by Kent Works, the education business agency that launched the scheme nearly two months ago.

Champions are expected to recruit business owners in their industry and encourage them to link up with schools and colleges.

Tasks could involve mentoring, school visits, talks, presentations and taking on student work experience placements.

Kent Works believes the champions will play a key role in finding a new generation of recruits for their own industry.

Mike Kiernan, head of operations at Kent Works, said it was an exciting project that would make a significant contribution to preparing young people for the world of work.

He said: "Champions will act as ambassadors for their particular industry sector.

"They will make contact with their industry peers, encourage them to develop effective education business links and advise them about the many opportunities and benefits derived from working with young people."

Construction industry consultant Kevin Bush said it was hard to get business people engaged in education because they were already busy running their companies.

But he thought the champion network was a positive way of attracting different businesses into schools and to educate our young people in enterprise, entrepreneurship and the world of work.

The unpaid champions are expected to attend an initial meeting, followed by quarterly planning event, promote the scheme, network, and recruit 10 additional champions during 2007.