SUFFOLK: More than 100 young people are today embarking on the first steps in their careers thanks to an Evening Star campaign to get them into work.

Our campaign to find apprenticeships for 100 willing workers in just 100 days has emerged victorious with people finding work in every sector, from engineering, plumbing and cookery to business administration and marketing.

Teresea Logan, employer service director with the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “I’m really pleased with the response that we’ve had from employers. I think they’ve really stepped up to the mark on this occasion.

“They’ve come forward with a range of opportunities for young people so I’m really pleased.

“A number of employers have been really impressed by the calibre of candidates that have come forward and in this economic climate, there are a lot of good quality candidates out there to choose from.

“For me, it’s really been about getting young people into employment. That’s what’s really driven us, and the fact that we are able to make a difference to at least 100 young people’s lives.”

Despite having found 102 placements already, the team is determined to keep going until the official end of the campaign to find as many apprenticeships as possible.

The campaign received a welcome boost with the announcement of 20 placements at Needham Market Football Club, where players between 16 and 18 have been taken on to train youngsters in the community as well as working on their own footballing skills.

First team manager Danny Laws said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to give these young people an opportunity.

“We’re delighted and really pleased at the support we’ve had from our partners, WS Training, and we’re really looking forward to when the apprentices start on July 4.

“Some of them were already involved in the club so we know them well and they’re really good ambassadors for our club, so it’s an exciting time for them and for us.”

Organisations which have taken on apprentices include Ipswich Hospital, Otley and Suffolk New Colleges, Ipswich Borough Council and several other district councils, Bolton Aerospace, Ipswich Buses and Sims Systems.

Mrs Logan added: “I would just like to say a huge thank you to the businesses of Suffolk for believing in the youth of today – that’s what it’s all about – and for giving them the opportunity to start their careers.”

n What do you think of apprenticeships? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@evening star.co.uk