Residents have found work in a variety of fields ranging from youth work, gardening & landscape, football coaches, business administration and marketing to film production assistants and journalism.

Cllr Hassan Ahmed, Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for Employment and Skills, says: "I'm delighted that so many people have already found work as a result of the council's Future Jobs Fund. Even though we are now officially out of recession, unemployment figures are reducing and there are signs of an improving economy, there are a lot of people who still need support to find work. That's why schemes like the Future Jobs Fund are playing a crucial role in getting people back into work."

The £10.5m FJF, which was launched on 23 October 2009, will eventually create one thousand vacancies with employers in the city.

As a result of the close working relationship between Nottingham City Council, employers and training and skills providers, the jobs available through the FJF initiative are varied and appealing.

The Independent Business Association (IBA) through its network of contacts has created 50 placements with small businesses throughout the city. One of these is Spa Products International based in Bulwell. The business was founded by Managing Director Michelle Porter who says: "Thanks to the FJF I have been able to recruit a young person who now has the opportunity to develop new skills and put into practice everything she learned at school and college in the work environment. I know exactly how difficult it is to find work and a job which is rewarding when you're young and inexperienced. I was a single mother in my early 20s and I struggled to find employers to take me on. But I was determined to succeed and I was given a lucky break. Now I run a successful business and provide training facilities for young people who need similar breaks. If I can give someone an opportunity through the FJF to fulfil their ambitions, then that's a great thing."

Michelle has employed 20 year old Stacey Dawson who had been unemployed for almost three years. "I did a one year college course in business administration and applied for many jobs. Sadly, no one would interview me or offer me a job as I didn't have any experience. It's a vicious circle. How could I get experience if I couldn't get a job? I'm very grateful to Michelle and her colleagues who are really going out of their way to make sure I get as much experience as possible during my time here. Without the FJF, I wouldn't be here", says Stacey.

Nineteen year old Natasha Falkner, who was unemployed for nine months, is working at Arcadia Signage & Graphics. Having trained and worked as a nursery assistant, Natasha found herself unemployed. "I applied for lots of jobs and couldn't find anything. I did a few days here and there. My advisor at Jobcentre Plus told me about the opportunities available as a result of the FJF and I was put in contact with Arcadia Signage and Graphics. My boss, Tony Whyatt, has been very supportive. I'm hoping to complete an NVQ in sign making too."

Fashion Design graduate Liam Dougan (aged 23) has recently found work at the Golden Cage fancy dress and costume hire shop on Derby Road in Nottingham. He has been able to put into practice his skills as a designer and learn more about running a small business. "I'm delighted to have this opportunity" says Liam. "Being unemployed is devastating. It affects your whole life. You need something to get up for."

Broxtowe Education Skills & Training (BEST) have created over 20 vacancies with employers ranging from leading construction companies, electricians and the Nottingham Contemporary. Anna Mimms (Executive Director) says: "The FJF has given local employers the opportunity to take on new staff at a time when they have had to reduce overheads. This benefits both the employer and the employee who will have the chance to develop and learn new skills in the workplace."

Jim Knight, Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform says: "I was really impressed when I visited Nottingham and saw how Nottingham City Council is Backing Young Britain through the Future Jobs Fund. And I'm now really pleased to hear about how FJF jobs in small firms are showcasing young people's potential and adding real value to businesses.

"Liam, Stacey and Natasha are just a few of the many examples in Nottingham of previously unemployed young people doing real work and getting invaluable workplace skills and qualifications. Through working in a fancy dress shop Liam is learning retail skills and also using his degree to do design work. In addition to her administrative skills Stacey is also developing new skills in marketing and Natasha is getting involved in print production and working towards an NVQ."    

The Future Jobs Fund, part of the Government's Backing Young Britain Campaign is one strand of Nottingham City Council's Jobs Plan. This includes a number of initiatives to help over 2000 residents find work or appropriate training to help them develop new skills. These include:

- The Community Programme - creating over 600 opportunities in the voluntary sector

- Public Apprenticeships - One hundred and fifty apprenticeship placements have been made available at Nottingham City Council.

- Enterprise Programme – giving 350 people the support they need to set up their own businesses

- The FutureStore retail skills academy – a new training facility for people interested in careers in retail.

Cllr Ahmed concludes: "The Jobs Plan is part of the Council's wider "We're On Your Side" campaign to support residents and businesses during periods of economic uncertainty. If you have been unemployed for some time, or are a young person currently looking for work, Nottingham City Council is here to help you find new opportunities."

Any business or organisation who would like to know more about 'Backing Young Britain' should visit www.hmg.gov.uk/backingyoungbritain. People can find out more about Nottingham City Council and their Future Jobs Fund commitment by visiting www.mynottingham.gov.uk/futurejobs