YOUNGSTERS who have turned their life around and pulled themselves up from unemployment in London’s deprived East End have graduated’ this week with an international law firm. Thirty who weren’t in jobs or education joined a City Gateway course with mentors and an introduction to the world of work and have graduated onto an apprenticeship scheme

YOUNGSTERS who have turned their life around and pulled themselves up from unemployment in London's deprived East End have 'graduated' this week with an international law firm.

Thirty who weren’t in jobs or education joined a City Gateway course with mentors and an introduction to the world of work.

They have now graduated onto a Gateway apprenticeship scheme.

CRIME AND DRUGS

One teenager, Josh Silverman, was involved in crime and drugs and had even been stabbed. A motorcycle accident led to a leg being amputated below the knee and he was struggling to find work.

But the 19-year-old was looked after by a mentor’ who guided him through City Gateway’s course and a part-time placement at the Reebok Gym in Canary Wharf where he wants to continue working.

The City Gateway charity gave him the inspiration he needed to change his life around.

YOUNG APPRENTICESHIPS

He was one of those graduating’ at Denton Wilde Sapte international law firm, which has been running CV and interview workshops and has so far offered four youngsters apprenticeships.

City Gateway marketing manager Jerry Daykin said: “Those we work with have often been doing nothing with their lives for two years or more. Many will not have stepped foot in an office before.”

City Gateway won plaudits from Conservative leader David Cameron, who told a recent conference he wants to see “more City Gateways to take this recession by the scruff of the neck” and help get people into work.