THE leader of Hampshire County Council has announced plans to employ 1,000 apprentices over the next five years.

Ken Thornber said the drive to get young adults working was “probably the most exciting initiative we shall ever take”.

He also announced plans to award ten university scholarships a year – 50 in total – to young people from poorer families.

The council plans to employ 200 apprentices a year, aged 16 to 25.