by business editor Trevor Sturgess

You're hired! That's the call to firms across the county at the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

Karren Brady, Lord Sugar's adviser on The Apprentice and a key speaker at the Kent 2020 show in April, is among bosses stressing the importance of apprentices.

She said: "Apprentices are key to the future of the country: it's crucial that Apprenticeships bridge the gap between what companies need in order to grow and provide young and older people with hands on experience, guidance and qualifications which develop and recognise real skills in a career they want."

While official figures show that more than a quarter of apprentices dropped out of training last year, apprenticeships are seen as one of the best ways of lifting many of the million unemployed 16 to 24 year olds out of the dole queue.

A City and Guilds survey of south east companies found that while 89 per cent see apprentices as key to their future success in tough economic times, a quarter complain about barriers to taking them on.

There are around 3,500 apprentices working across Kent and Medway, but Kent County Council says there is still a shortage of employers offering places.

KCC Cabinet member for Community Services Mike Hill said: "There are young people out there who are ready and willing to learn and we urge businesses to think seriously about how they could help an apprentice.

"We are all aware of the difficult financial times we are in, but there are many benefits to taking on an apprentice and it could be the way forward to supporting Kent's economy and helping local businesses to succeed."

To recognise good employers, KCC is sponsoring a Kent Apprenticeship of the Year award at this year's Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA).

Meanwhile, 10 new IT apprentices will be starting their 18-month training programme with Hugh Christie Technology College, Tonbridge, as part of a new apprenticeship scheme from Northgate Managed Services.