School-leavers in London’s deprived East End who are worried about job prospects are being urged by recruitment experts to join a scheme to get their careers off the ground in the New Year.

The TBG learning centre in Brick Lane is helping make teenagers more ‘employable’ and ready for the jobs market if they have left the education system but haven’t found work yet.

“Youth unemployment is one of the greatest challenges facing the country,” said David Umpleby, head of the centre’s Foundation Learning programme. “Many have been looking for work for a year or more—which paints a bleak picture.”

The centre, which offers basic skills to get youngsters into apprenticeships, jobs or college, estimates 370 school-leavers aged 18 and under are currently unemployed in Tower Hamlets.

Its ‘New Start’ course is open to those aged 16 to 19 to study vocations from retail to business administration. They can book places by calling 020-7247 0036.