by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Many firms may be moaning about skill shortages and poor qualifications, but Medway is hiring young people.

Despite a sharp rise in unemployment, especially among 16-24 year olds, firms are finding it hard to recruit skilled people, according to a report published today by the British Chambers of Commerce. Only one in five had taken on an apprentice in the past year.

But in Medway, it's a different story, with employers taking on more than 100 apprentices in the past few months.

Later today, Medway apprentices and their employers celebrate the success of the council's 100 in 100 Apprenticeship Challenge.

More than 70 Medway businesses and organisations ranging from engineering and construction companies, to decorators, hairdressers, doctors' surgeries and nurseries, have taken part.

Council leader Rodney Chambers (pictured above) said how valuable apprenticeships were for people who want to gain skills and get ahead and for businesses which are looking to benefit from new talent.

"I'm pleased to see so many Medway businesses getting involved with this campaign. We really are committed to driving up economic growth here in Medway and giving both businesses and trainees the tools they need to grow, develop skills and succeed."

But the story elsewhere is gloomy. A survey of 6,000 businesses across the UK, including Kent, found that almost half (45%) said it was very or quite difficult to find the right staff.

This week, the jobless total reached a 17-year high of 2.57 million, with 971,000 16-24 year olds on the dole.

The number of people in Kent and Medway out of work and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance has soared by 1,000 in two months to more than 35,000.

Businesses lack confidence in qualifications and complain about poor levels of literacy and numeracy, and softer skills such as timekeeping and communication.

The BCC called for a UK education system better able to equip young people with workplace skills.