BUSINESSES which are helping to boost the career prospects of young people have been recognised at a ceremony in East Sussex.

The event, at County Hall, in Lewes, celebrated the role of the first 27 companies and individuals to be accredited under East Sussex County Council’s ‘Industry Champions’ scheme.

The initiative sees businesses offer their time to represent their industry to young people and deliver activities in schools and colleges around the county.

Certificates and a ‘digital badge’ which can be displayed on company website are awarded to businesses which deliver activities on at least three occasions during a year.

These may include giving talks, presentations or workshops, mentoring young people, taking part in careers fairs or options evenings or offering work experience or apprenticeship opportunities.

The scheme is part of the council’s strategy to improve young people’s career prospects through the local employment and skills partnership board ‘Skills East Sussex’, which the council facilitates.

Other Skills East Sussex initiatives have included appointing Enterprise Advisers from local businesses to work with individual schools, and the Open Doors project, which sees students visiting businesses to learn more about the world of work.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council lead member for economy, said: “This is another important step in our drive to build ever stronger links between businesses and schools in the county.