Plaid Cymru-led Caerphilly Council has revealed plans to fund jobs for up to 100 apprentices and trainees over the next three years.
They will use part of a surplus of £485,000 originally set aside for salaries, to meet the cost of the scheme.
Councillor Allan Pritchard, cabinet member responsible for human resources, legal, policy and governance, said: “We are very aware of the critical issue of the total lack of opportunities for ever growing numbers of our young people. It is becoming more acute by the day with rising unemployment.
“As well as protecting our existing staff, we are confident that we can fund up to 100 apprentices and trainees over the next three years. We believe as an administration it is our duty to help the young people of our communities who are after all the future.”