by business editor Trevor Sturgess

With young people finding it harder than ever to land their first job, one group can point to a more hopeful outcome.

The University of Kent's pioneering Employability Points scheme aims to help its students stand out from the crowd in job applications.

It rewards them for taking part in activities that are not part of their degree, but enhance skills and impress potential employers.

They earn points for fundraising, charity and society contribution, part-time work, volunteering, taking part in a business competition or learning a foreign language.

Those collecting the most points are given prizes to further boost their employability such as internships, work experience, training courses and vouchers.

Stephanie Barwick, business engagement manager who launched the scheme, said it was "a win-win" for both students and employers.

"Students who can demonstrate an impressive CV, not only in terms of qualifications, but also in softer life skills that employers are looking for, are being rewarded with work opportunities."

At a ceremony in the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury campus, next month, nearly 300 students will receive prizes ranging from paid three-month internships to company tours and vouchers.

Last year, event sponsor Chaucer Group gave internships to two graduates and later hired them full-time.

Deborah Feakins, of Chaucer Management Consultants, said: "This is an excellent example of a global business working together with a leading university to provide high-achieving students with real work-based opportunities."

Other sponsors include Tesco, The National Trust, Skanska, Penguin Books, Merlin Entertainment, Canterbury Cathedral Trust, Enterprise-rent-a-car, Coca-Cola Enterprises and local employers.