A YOUNG man coached and supported by a specially trained mentor has become the first person to gain a full-time job through the initiative.

Simon Hart, 25, from Fareham, has been taken on as a revenue assistant at the Inland Revenue's Lynx House at Cosham, following three months of support through the New Deal mentoring programme.

Hampshire Training & Enterprise Council launched the initiative to help unemployed 18- to 24-year-olds overcome barriers to work by putting them in touch with people who could act as an independent and confidential "sounding board".

Simon worked with mentor Sue Brown for three months to develop his confidence and employment prospects.

Delighted with his achievement, Simon said: "I'm thrilled to have secured a job. Mentoring provided me with not only practical advice on filling in application forms and interview preparation, but also gave me someone to whom I could turn and rely upon to talk through issues which were concerning me.

"Sue's support has been invaluable." Employers interested in finding out more about mentoring, or in nominating employees, should contact Deryn Sanders at Hampshire TEC on 01329 230099.

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