HAMPSHIRE County Council is supporting young people taking the next steps in finding their chosen work life with a careers, apprenticeship and training event.

Showcasing Your Future, on April 21, will bring together more than 20 exhibitors from across the council and its partner organisations to highlight the wide range of apprenticeships and training on offer.

There will also be information and advice available for anyone interested in a career within the public sector.

Peter Edgar, the county council’s executive member for education, said: “The county council is delighted to be able to showcase the variety of apprenticeships and training it has to offer young people.

“It is important to remember that every young person is an individual and they should be given the opportunity to pick the route to their chosen career that suits them. When young people leave secondary education a range of both vocational and academic options are needed, so that they have the maximum chance to succeed.”

Mr Edgar added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn more about what the county council can offer them and I hope that many young people from all over the county will make the most of what this event has to offer.”

Apprentices past and present will be on hand to share their experiences. There will also be a range of activities for young people to get involved in on the night, including a bridge and road building competition with the Highway and Transport teams and a chance to test pedal power with a road bike time trial with Hampshire Outdoor Centres.

Rangers from the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership will also be demonstrating some of specialist equipment it uses day to day and explaining all that being a countryside ranger involves.

Hampshire County Council has committed to providing 1,000 youth employment opportunities by 2018, including 850 apprenticeships, as part of its youth investment programme. Apprenticeships have already been made available in a range of areas, including catering, countryside and engineering. Representatives from recruitment will be available on the night to answer any questions about the vacancies on offer.

The Showcasing Your Future event will be held at Ashburton Hall on Tower Street in Winchester, from 5pm-8pm. To book a free place, visit hants.gov.uk/yourfuture.