SKILLS shortages in the county can be tackled through the uptake of more apprenticeship schemes.

The Learning and Skills Councils (LSC) is calling on Kent industries severely affected by skills shortage and unfilled posts to take a more pro-active stance on offering work-based learning.

The LSC, which together with the Department of Education and Skills last year found that 145,000 jobs in the UK remain unfilled due to skill gaps, is urging Kent employers in hard hit areas such as construction, care and transportation in particular to look into apprenticeship training.

Tony Allen, director of Skills at LSC Kent and Medway, said: "We urge more employers to come forward because apprenticeships benefit businesses as well as young people.

"For employers, apprenticeships offer the opportunity to improve their business’ bottom line through the tailored, relevant training of highly motivated young people.

"Employers who want to succeed cannot afford to ignore these benefits. We have skills advisors on hand to give each employer clear and impartial recommendations to improve and develop their workforce."

The LSC is able to offer companies free, impartial and confidential advice on the schemes available.

This is advice is available from the Skills Advice Service Helpline on 0800 528 2000.