A pledge to get 500 young people into apprenticeships this year has passed the halfway mark.

Surrey County Council’s scheme to offer businesses a cash inventive to hire apprentices was launched by David Hodge, leader of the council, after a successful campaign in 2012 to fill 265 apprenticeships.

Since the start of the scheme, more than 220 companies have benefited from the £750 grant to hire a teenager apprentice and 25 others are pledging to take one on.

The halfway mark was reached during youth work week, which highlights the importance of giving young people the right skills for a successful career.

Mr Hodge said: “It’s great news that we’ve already helped another 220 teenagers into the world of work after our last scheme saw employers rise to the challenge of giving 265 young people the opportunity to earn and learn on the job.

“Apprenticeships put young people on the path to a successful career, give businesses the skilled workforce they need to thrive and help the economy grow, which is why we’re pulling out all the stops to reach our target of 500 by next April.”