Thirty long-term unemployed people are being given a chance to get their foot on the jobs ladder, thanks to a Doncaster housing organisation.

St Leger Homes of Doncaster is taking part in central government's Future Jobs Fund initiative. The initiative provides work placements for unemployed people who are aged between 18 and 24 and who have been out of work for between six and 12 months.

Those taking part are paid and training is personalised to each trainee's needs. Placements at St Leger Homes are in administration and manual trades and are initially for six months, but subject to a successful review may be extended to March 2011.

Picture: Lynne Molloy, of St Leger Homes, (second row from the back, centre) together with some of the first intake of Future Jobs Fund trainees.

Lynne Molloy, St Leger Homes' external funding officer, said: "This project will provide valuable work experience for these young people. Hopefully it will help them to find a permanent job in the future."

Kat McDonald, a trainee in administration, said: "This is my first 'job' and it is really good experience. I've been involved in all sorts of administration work and it's been great. I'm looking forward to the rest of my time here."

Adrianne Evans-Faulkner, a trainee estates assistant, said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my first month working with St Leger Homes and relish the prospect of a complete change in career, as I used to be a bar manager. Gaining an insight into estate management has been more than a little interesting, I am very happy with where I am and the people I am working alongside."

More information: St Leger Homes