WE have in the past highlighted our concern that the most worrying element of the latest unemployment figures is the very high rate of joblessness among the young.

Almost one million 16 to 24-year-olds are unemployed in Britain, one in five.

Unemployment among people of this age is worrying because of the impact it has on society – now and in the future.

If large numbers of school leavers cannot find work then we risk a growing band of disaffected young people, storing up potentially more issues.

We recognise and applaud the fact that the Government is actively trying to do something through its commitment to funding apprenticeship programmes to create more opportunities for young people to get on the work and careers ladder.

The National Apprenticeship Service has the role of trying to generate these opportunities, and we were delighted to join forces to launch a campaign in Worcestershire.

We see nothing but winners.

One hundred young people – perhaps your son or daughter, perhaps your neighbour or work colleague’s son or daughter – will get the opportunity of an apprenticeship placement and training for a career.

All the evidence shows businesses benefit as the apprenticeships help firms develop and become more competitive in the future.

And eventually we all benefit from fewer people on the dole queues and an improving local economy.

One hundred placements won’t solve the youth unemployment problem in the area – but it will show what can be done and will show the way forward for others. So please support the campaign and let’s get Worcestershire working!