The largest apprenticeship event in the UK will arrive in the county next year for the first time.

The National Apprenticeships Show will take place at the Kent Event Centre in Detling over two days.

Up to 70 employers will have the chance to show what it would be like working as an apprentice with their organisation.

Several major companies in the county have already signed up, including Brakes, British Racing School, CITB, IPS International, Megger, Mercedes-Benz, Royal Navy and the Army.

The show, which is supported by Kent Business, will also feature an open evening on its first day, when parents can join people of all ages, with their CV in tow.

Managing director Simon Bennie said: “This year we are holding our London Show just two weeks prior, we are expecting some 15,000 potential apprentices, and our ambitions are set high for our Kent event.

“We already have 2,200 students booked in and we’re only in November, we’re in discussions with authorities and colleges about how we can make Kent’s event one of the most success first events yet.”

Many employers use the event’s five other shows across the UK for their main recruitment drive.

Allen Apprenticeships and Skills chief executive Tony Allen said: “I am really excited to be involved in the National Apprenticeship Show in Kent.

“I know how important events like this are for employers to showcase apprenticeship opportunities to young people and their parents.

“This is a far more effective way of recruiting than any other I know.

"Kent employers really should be there or their competitors might beat them to it.”

The National Apprenticeships Show in Kent takes place from Tuesday to Wednesday, March 20 to 21.

Details at nationalapprenticeshipshow.org/kentessex/