HELP us find jobs for local youngsters facing record youth unemployment levels.

That's our plea to the county's businesses and trainers today as we launch our '100 in 100' campaign.

Your Worcester News has teamed up with the National Apprenticeship Service and several key organisations with the aim of creating 100 apprenticeships in local businesses within 100 days.

Also backing the scheme are Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire County Council and Skills for Security.

Together the group hope to encourage employers, learning providers and partners to influence the business community to increase the number of apprenticeship vacancies and raise the profile of apprenticeships for individuals.

Worcester News editor Peter John said: “One in five young people are unemployed and facing tough times trying to find work.

"Apprenticeships are a key way of tackling this issue by giving school-leavers a start on the work ladder. We are delighted that we can do something practical to help tackle the problem with this campaign.

"We have a special supplement inside today's paper explaining the campaign in detail and after today we will be bringing regular coverage of its progress and celebrating when businesses place youngsters into apprenticeship schemes."

The 100 in 100 campaign will benefit the business community, young people and the local economy by giving school leavers their first step on to the jobs ladder, supporting young people into education and a life-long career and providing tools for businesses to grow their workforce and increase productivity.

Karen Woodward, West Midlands regional apprenticeship director for the NAS, said: “Apprenticeships bring considerable value to employers, individuals and the economy as a whole. In an increasingly competitive world no business can afford not to invest in training and apprenticeships are one of the best and most cost effective ways for employers to grow their own talent. That is why we are driving the 100 in 100 campaign, working alongside partners to ensure that more organisations across all sectors and industries can have the opportunity to enjoy the business benefits that employing apprentices can bring.”

Tomorrow, Frances Roberts, Worcestershire employer services manager for the NAS, will be the guest speaker at a breakfast meeting organised by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce at Malvern’s Abbey Hotel. Mrs Roberts will be talking about the 100 in 100 campaign, how Worcestershire’s is unique to the other schemes taking place in the Midlands and its objective of engaging with 100 new employers within 100 days.

To find out more about the campaign contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150600 or go to worcesternews.co.uk/100.