PEOPLE without a job in Hull are being offered a lifeline through a scheme creating employment opportunities.

It comes as figures show that despite a slight decline last month, unemployment in the city has almost doubled in the past year.

Harry Stockman, 19, of Bransholme, was made redundant from his job as a mechanical engineer in February.

But now his luck has changed and next week he starts a work trial as an apprentice engineer.

Harry’s prospects were turned around within hours of enquiring about Hull City Council’s Local Work Guarantee Scheme.

The project offers training and placements to unemployed people and subsidised wages to firms who take them on.

As part of the Mail’s Bounce Back campaign, we are highlighting measures such as these in our fight to help the region back on its feet.

Harry said he had started to panic after being unemployed for six months.

He said: “My job mainly involved making caravan axles, so when trouble hit the industry the company couldn’t keep me on.

“I went to college after school and then started my apprenticeship, so it’s the first time I’d experienced unemployment for this length of time – it was tough.”

Harry could not believe his luck when he was offered an interview the same day he attended one of the council’s roadshows to promote the Local Work Guarantee scheme.

He said: “I went along to find out what help was on offer and I was told there was an interview opportunity for an apprentice engineer in 40 minutes if I could make it.

“I got myself down there and they got back to me very quickly offering me a trial.

“After being unemployed and there being so little opportunities around I was overjoyed.”

Harry will now undertake a three-month, paid work trial at off-site manufacturing firm Panaloc in Kingston Retail Park, Hull.

Typically, the scheme provides a guaranteed three-month placement with one of the council’s providers and job-seekers receive the minimum wage.

Participants then carry out a work trial at a prospective employer, at no cost to the firm.

The project also includes necessary training, which may lead to a qualification.

John Watkins, director of Panaloc, said the scheme is attractive to employers. He said: “As we have recently relocated to the area and taken over another firm, it’s like starting from scratch.

“Most companies in our situation would need someone fully qualified onboard, but the scheme has enabled us to give a trainee a chance.”

Bob Ferraby, investment programme manager for the scheme, said: “The Grow family of projects, including the Local Work Guarantee Scheme, are designed to help employers recruit and train the right staff to make their business more competitive.

“At the same time, the scheme presents individuals with an ideal opportunity to gain work experience, improve their skills and move into sustainable employment. It’s a win-win situation."