Basildon's unemployed teenagers can look forward to a jobs boost.

A ground-breaking scheme to be launched next month by New Basildon College will see the latest technology used to train the district's jobless.

The project will target those youngsters who could drift into a life of crime without the right jobs training.

The college has secured £50,000 in European funding to run the innovative scheme to help 60 16- to 18-year-olds across the district.

The project aims to help teenagers unable to claim benefits but who are too young to qualify for the Government's New Deal jobs scheme.

Statistics show such teenagers without basic skills such as reading and writing are more likely to slip into crime.

It is hoped the course will help them secure a place on a college course or jobs training scheme.

Gunilla Edwards, college funding and project manager, said: "The project aims to provide basic skills training, jobs and career advice for teenagers who have left school without these basic skills and who are unable to find a job or training place.

"There is very little provision for this group and they are therefore at risk of turning to crime.

"They cannot claim benefits and are unable to take part in the Government's New Deal scheme."

Up to 60 teenagers will be referred to the college by the careers service and the Basildon Foyer homeless scheme.

College bosses will link up with teachers running the newly-set up Education Action Zone in East Basildon to identify which school-leavers need help.

Multi-media technology will be used to make the course more attractive.

Mrs Edwards said: "The scheme is groundbreaking in that we are doing it on their terms and will be planning it around their personal needs."

Workers from local firms will be invited to come in and act as "mentors", to help motivate the trainees.

Mrs Edwards said: "A lot of these teenagers have not got role models so they do not know the benefits of working or studying."

The college is still looking for more mentors to come forward.

For more information contact Gunilla Edwards on 01268 532015.

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