THEY are the generation suffering most as the crisis in the economy continues to bite.

Nationally more than a million 16- to 24- year-olds are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET).

And here in Hampshire the problem is just as worrying.

In some areas of the county the number of youngsters out of work trebled in the first nine months of the year.

Today the Daily Echo is launching the “Give Me A Chance” campaign to help give young people a break and kick-start their careers.

We are giving unemployed youngsters the opportunity to showcase their skills and stake a claim for a new start by ‘advertising’ themselves for free in the Daily Echo and on our website.

And with it we are giving employers the chance to tap into the wealth of young talent that Hampshire has to offer.

Get Involved

SO this is your chance to tell prospective employers why they should be interested in hiring you.

All you have to do is send us a short biography setting out your details including age, ambitions, hobbies, interests, achievements, aspirations and any working experience.

You can use the space to be witty, charming, intelligent – any way you wish to show off your best side. You might like to include one ‘killer’ fact that you believe makes you valuable to an employer – your style, your sense of humour, your dedication. It’s all up to you.

You must include your contact details and a photo.

If you want us to publish a contact email address let us know, or any future employers can contact us instead.

Email your advert to Daily Echo reporter Arron Hendy at arron.

hendy@dailyecho.co.uk or if you have any questions, call him on 023 8042 4445.

Luke Shilton

LUKE wants to start on an apprenticeship to concentrate on one career path.

The 18-year-old, who has gained experience at different jobs since leaving Testwood Sports College, said: “I would be interested in any offers.

“I’ve looked at all sorts of things, from bar work to bricklaying, but I would also consider sales.”

Luke, unemployed for two months, wants to find fulltime work. Since leaving school, Luke, from Totton, has gained four forklift truck driving licences and would be happy to take advantage of them.

Correy Small

CORREY has eight GCSE passes and studied carpentry at college.

The 19-year-old said: “I’m looking for any kind of work and I did have a job until three months ago.”

Correy, from Rownhams, attended the Mountbatten School in Romsey and his results included GCSE C grades in maths and science.

He completed his NVQ Level One carpentry at Eastleigh College before going into printing before then becoming unemployed. He said: “Ideally I’m looking to get into full time office work.”

To contact either Luke or Correy, call reporter Arron Hendy on 023 8042 4445 or email arron.hendy@dailyecho.co.uk.