Future business managers can hone their skills with a leading company after it joined forces with South East Essex College to launch a new trainee scheme.

KeyMed, based on the Stock Road industrial estate, Southend, is giving young people the chance to apply for a five-year training contract after they finish school.

The company will give them a thorough technical grounding with on-the-job training while supporting students as they study for a business studies degree at the college.

The company said it has been overwhelmed with responses since making contact with schools and colleges, including Seevic, Southend High Schools for Boys and Girls and Cecil Jones, to discuss applying for a place on the new scheme.

Debbie Gaynor, KeyMed's personnel administration general manager, said: "Many of the students and teachers were unaware it was possible to find a company in Southend offering such a scheme, with the same, if not better, career opportunities and working environment than other large multi-national firms in the City."

The programme has been designed to ensure the individuals on the scheme are able to focus on and develop the right combination of general management and leadership skills to undertake a future management role.

Graham Cusick, manager for business and management studies at South East Essex College, described the partnership between the company and college as a "fantastic opportunity for business students".