A TOTAL of 145 apprenticeships and 123 work experience placements have been created by businesses in Somerset since a campaign against unemployment began in October.

More than 150 employers pledged their support during the Get Somerset Working initiative by developing a partnership with Somerset County Council, colleagues and Somerset Employment and Skills Board.

Latest council figures suggest youth unemployment is at 4.7 per cent, making these 268 opportunities a positive step to increasing the number of people in work.

Councillor David Hall, cabinet member for economic development, said: “This news is a great boost for the Somerset economy and particularly for young people looking to start a career.

“It proves that local businesses are still prepared to invest in future workforces during tough economic times.

“Opportunities have been created in a variety of sectors including education, leisure and tourism, skilled trades and environmental services.”

Graham Knight from the Get Somerset Working partnership said: “We set out to work with 100 Somerset employers that had not employed an apprentice or offered work experience in the past 18 months.

“In just 100 days, 151 employers have pledged their support and ended up creating more than 260 opportunities, which is a truly fantastic effort.”