A Southend  company has pledged to find more than 300 jobs for young people as part of a Government drive to get people into work.

Central Training Group, which trains hairdressers and is based in Alexandra Street, has signed up to the Pledgeometer scheme.

The system, designed to encourage firms to set up apprenticeship schemes, was established in March, with the backing of deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.

The move coincides with the Queen’s award of an MBE this month to CTG’s founder and managing director, Martin Kolton, an acknowledgement of his long-term work on creating employment opportunities for young people.

Martin said: “We decided to participate in the pledgeometer scheme because it publicises the vitally important role apprentices serve within the world of business and the community.

“My personal experience has given me a lot of faith in the apprenticeship system.

“The pledgeometer provides a way of celebrating apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.”

Martin began his own career with an apprenticeship at the age of 16.

He said: “I found it the perfect way to get started, to learn directly, and to build a business and a career.”

He is also impressed by the research data on apprenticeships.

He says: “There is convincing evidence a fully-trained apprentice can help businesses generate an extra £200 every week.

“Because of figures like these, and our faith in the system, we make a point, of fully supporting the Government’s drive to create more apprenticeships.

“This year, more than ever, we are keen to let school leavers know about the opportunities apprenticeships present, so that they are aware there is a viable alternative to staying on at school.”

CTG, which has its headquarters and main centre in Southend, is now the largest trainer and provider of NVQ hairdressing qualifications in the UK.

Since Martin opened the Southend academy in 1983, it has trained more than 20,000 young people to NVQ level. Graduates of the academy have achieved an almost 100 per cent success rate in finding jobs.

Martin began his working life as an apprentice with the House of Leonard in Mayfair. He rose to become manager of the salon, before deciding that he wanted to devote his career to training.

It already works closely with other organisations, such as the Prince’s Trust and Barnardo’s, to find employment opportunities for young people.

Martin said: “When I entered the hairdressing industry, I had no idea at the time where it would lead me. It has been a very inspiring environment in which to work, and has provided me with an immensely satisfying career.

“I am particularly keen to give some of the opportunities that I was able to enjoy to new generations of young people.”