'First apprentice' aims to get young people into work

Tim Campbell spent two years working for Amstrad but left to form the Bright Ideas Trust, which aims to encourage young entrepreneurs into business, particularly those from deprived areas.

Mr Campbell will be joined by regional Minister Rosie Winterton for an event at Sheffield's Meadowhall centre this morning as part of the Government's Backing Young Britain programme.

Ms Winterton, the MP for Doncaster Central, was set to answer questions from an audience of young people from South Yorkshire alongside a panel of business leaders and Jobcentre directors.

She said: "I am delighted to be Backing Young Britain and supporting young people in Yorkshire and The Humber. Young people are the recruits of tomorrow and can help bring fresh ideas, skills and enthusiasm to any organisation.

"The Government is determined to help businesses take on young people so that both groups emerge strongly from recession. Together, even in these tough economic times, we can help this generation fulfil its potential."

Young people have been particularly badly hit during the economic downturn, with youth unemployment rocketing across the country as jobs for graduates and school-leavers dry up.

Backing Young Britain aims to encourage companies to take young people on as apprentices, and offers help with paying their wages and advice on how to help new employees get training.

Local company Logistik has already taken advantage of the apprenticeship offer and company spokesman Sharon Ward said she would encourage other businesses to do the same.

She added: "Work placements have brought real value to the company. It brings fresh faces into the organisation and provides different perspectives and ways of doing things. It gives us a diverse workforce with a range of skills, which also helps with personal development for existing staff.

"Backing Young Britain is a really positive initiative for the sector and Yorkshire region as a whole. Companies should give it a try."