by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A radical scheme to help jobless young people quit the dole is launched today.

Kent County Council is unveiling a £2m apprenticeship scheme at Kent 2020 Vision LIVE, the south east's business show of the year at the County Showground.

Just 24 hours after the latest jobless figures revealed more than one million 16 to 24-year-olds are out of work nationally, KCC leader Paul Carter is due to announce a pioneering Kent Employment Programme.

KCC believes that 10% of Kent's unemployed young people could find work if businesses and social enterprises hired an apprentice.

Under the new subsidised scheme - KCC has put aside £2m from the Big Society Fund - employers would only have to contribute £60 per week towards the £100 cost. Paperwork will also be covered by the project.

Eligible businesses could receive up to £2,000 to take on an apprentice and, with national grants, that figure could be even more.

Kent 2020 Vision LIVE opened earlier today and features a lively programme of workshops, seminars and networking opportunities.

Several thousand business leaders are expected to attend the all-day event, with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their products and services.

It is backed by BSK-CIC with key partners KCC, the Kent Event Centre and the KM Group, and organised by Revolution Events, Pembury.

Jane Ollis, BSK-CIC chief executive, said: "Today is all about preparing for growth. When the recovery starts - and it will - Kent businesses need to be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that emerge."