More than 300 apprenticeships have been filled by youngsters across the county, with the total closing in on Surrey County Council’s target.

The council want to help 500 young people get onto the job ladder and businesses are offered a cash incentive to take on apprentices.

Already, 195 employers in a range of sectors including administration, retail, carpentry and social care have been handed the £750 incentive to help push the total over the 300 mark and another 45 employers have said they will offer a teenager a role.

David Hodge, leader of Surrey County Council, said: “I’m delighted that so many employers have already got behind this apprentice scheme and I’m sure many more will follow suit over the coming weeks and months.

“Apprenticeships provide young people with skills they require, give businesses the workforce they need to thrive and help the economy grow, which is why we’re aiming to create another 500 places on top of the 265 that were arranged last year.”