IT HAS been another successful period for jobseekers in the region as the Future Jobs Fund scheme found work for more young adults.

National figures show 6,620 people between the ages of 18 and 24 found work through the scheme in May this year.

This takes the total number of people placed through the Future Jobs Fund scheme to more than 40,000 since the scheme started in October 2009.

Locally, 154 men and women have been promised work by March next year.

One of the scheme's beneficiaries is 19-year-old Carl Drayton who earned himself a job as a marketing assistant and web designer at Crosby Employment Bureau.

He said: "I left John Leggott College in July 2009 with good A-Levels in English, maths, photography, media studies and IT.

"The first month after I finished college, I just sort of got settled.

"After applying for jobs for so long, you just start to think there's no point anymore.

"I just needed someone to give me chance and that is what the Future Jobs Fund has done.

"I'm now working 25 hours a week as a web designer, which is an industry I want to go in to.

"I feel like the scheme has completely set me up."

Carl, who was out of work for a year, believes experience is crucial when looking for jobs.

He said: "In hindsight, I wish I got more experience before I left college, even voluntary work.

"People think voluntary work means sitting in a charity shop, but it's not – getting any kind of experience is valuable.

"I know some of my friends would benefit from the scheme, especially those who think qualifications will be enough."

Jan Williams, managing director at the Crosby Employment Bureau, is keen to stress the importance of the scheme.

"All the people we have placed are doing really well and we're very pleased with the way everything has worked out.

"It's not just menial work that we're getting these young people – it's a very high standard.

"We've had an overwhelmingly positive response from the young people that are taking up these jobs."