Pictured above: James Charlesworth

A young Shrewsbury man has just landed his dream job, with help from the Future Jobs Fund and Shropshire training provider County Training.

James Charlesworth, 21, from Shrewsbury, had been unemployed for 12 months and was struggling to to find a permanent job. Having previously worked in a number of short term positions, James felt his lack of qualifications was hindering him from developing his career. Then in December 2009 James saw a vacancy for a Reserves Assistant for Shropshire Wildlife Trust. This was a new post created with funding from the Future Jobs Fund, run by County Training, part of Shropshire Council.

The Governments 'Future Jobs Fund' is part of the Backing Young Britain campaign and was set up to help create jobs for those aged 18 - 24 who have been unemployed for over six months.

Through the scheme, businesses seeking to to recruit  are given financial support enabling them to create new posts for this group of unemployed young people. 

In addition, County Training also offer vocational training to assist new recruits once in role. Following James's successful application and appointment as Reserves Assistant for Shropshire Wildlife Trust, County Training provided funding for James to achieve his chainsaw license, a requirement in his new job.

James commented "I am really interested in environmental maintenance and conservation and have always wanted to work in that field. My new job is perfect as it  involves environmental ground work around the county, which I absolutely love. I am really grateful to County Training who have provided this great opportunity.They have been really supportive through the whole process and continue to check my progress even after I have finished my training. 

Shropshire Wildlife Trust protects wildlife throughout the county. They are the county's leading environmental charity, currently supported by 10,000 members. With strength of numbers and 45 years of experience behind them, they are an increasingly effective champion for local wildlife.

Diane Monether, Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Trust, commented "Future Jobs Fund enabled us to create this much needed vacancy, which we would otherwise not have been able to afford. This has meant that we have been able to fulfil the need that we had in our conservation section, helping to improve the service that we provide within the community."

Councillor Stephen Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, commented "This iniative is already assisting so many employers in creating much needed vacancies, alongside helping many into sustainable employment. James is a great example of how this programme works."

Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "I am pleased that Shropshire Wildlife Trust has joined us in Backing Young Britain and has given James the chance of a job. The Government is guaranteeing every young person a job, training or work experience after six months unemployment. In the 80s youth unemployment kept rising for four years after the recession ended. We are investing in help now to make sure that will never happen again and a generation of talent isn't wasted."