A TASK force has been set up to spread the word about apprenticeships to people aged between 16 and 24.

About 800 people in the Medway area have already taken up apprenticeships but the task force wants to boost that number to 1,000 and increase the range of apprenticeships available in industries such as construction, engineering, information technology and administration.

Medway council leader Cllr Rodney Chambers said: “I’m very keen to encourage Medway’s young people to take up apprenticeships as part of our commitment to realise the potential of young people in Medway.”

For more information go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk.